tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4739335452536262487.post8155527724817820321..comments2013-10-21T23:35:32.380-07:00Comments on Phil's Journey: SEPTEMBER 11: a fitting day for dad to dieKatihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11613245177096346418noreply@blogger.comBlogger13125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4739335452536262487.post-26584700957032969702010-09-14T19:29:22.516-07:002010-09-14T19:29:22.516-07:00more facebook love:
FROM DAWN, THE KIND WIFE OF D...more facebook love:<br /><br />FROM DAWN, THE KIND WIFE OF DAVE, ONE OF TIM'S MOST FAITHFUL JUNIOR HIGH FRIENDS:<br /><br />september 12: Hi Karen, So sorry to hear about your Dad's health. I know how much it must mean to him to have all of you around in these last days - What a blessing! Dave and my prayers are with you and Tim and your family at this time.<br /><br />september 14<br /><br />FROM MARSHA, CHURCH FRIEND FROM THE 1990's!<br />we are so sorry for your loss at this time. Please know that we will keep you in our thoughts and prayers. Your post is such a tribute to your wonderful dad.<br /><br />FROM OUR PASTOR AT THE TIME:<br />Karen, Tim, what a joy to hear from you. We had not heard of your Dad's passing until right now. My memories were brief regarding him other than a confident man of God who dearly loved his family. I believe there might have been a visit while at Bolling, but what a while back. We are at the age when our greatest treasures are the testimonies of children and grandchildren honoring the Lord. He was, you are blessed. Serving together with you, Pastor Bob and Sylvia.<br /><br />FROM KATHY, THAT DEAR FAMILY FRIEND:<br />I wish I could be there for the services and stuff -- your parents are very special people to me and I'm quite sure to anyone who has/had the privilege of getting to know them. And may I add to the many who have thanked you for writing your blog. It really helped feel like we were there with your wonderful dad instead of miles and miles away. Please give my love to your family. I'm praying God's love stays wrapped securely around you all -- well, it always is, but I guess I should say that you FEEL His love wrapped tightly around you! <br /><br />FROM SPECIAL THERAPY FRIENDS:<br />Hi Karen..I know it's been awhile since we have personally spoken, but I've been praying for you and your family through this journey. You will continue to be in our prayers. Thank you for sharing your blog with us all. Blessings to you. Lisa<br /><br />Karen, so sorry for your loss, thoughts and prayers for you and your family. Jeanine<br /><br />FROM FUN HIGH SCHOOL FRIENDS:<br />So sorry to hear about your Dad, Karen. I just read the first page of your blog (with the past few days on it). Wow...what beautiful writing and beautiful memories you created. I look forward to reading more about your father. Kelly<br /><br />I'm so sorry to hear this. I have such fond memories of your parents - he was a beautiful man. Praying for you and your family... Beth<br /><br />I am very sorry to hear this and we will continue to pray for you and the whole family. Bryan<br /><br />Thoughts and prayers with you and your family. Melissa<br /><br />I have been praying for you all since I saw your post on September 9th and read your blog posts. I'm so sorry that you had to say goodbye - at least for now. Clark<br /><br />FROM COUSIN MINDY:<br />Praying for you guys and the whole family. Thanks for blogging through the whole thing.<br /><br />AND ERIN, KIM, KIM AND DEB<br />______________________________________________<br /><br />a full-hearted thank you to each and every one of you: your support means the world to me!!!Katihttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11613245177096346418noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4739335452536262487.post-15061718869507590542010-09-14T11:39:31.077-07:002010-09-14T11:39:31.077-07:00FROM THE DEAR HUSBAND OF MY AMAZING FRIEND RACHAEL...FROM THE DEAR HUSBAND OF MY AMAZING FRIEND RACHAEL, via FACEBOOK:<br /><br />I just wanted to send you my condolences, Rachael has kept me updated on your dad's health, and informed me of his passing. Very sorry for your loss Karen. It's nice to know your strong faith is providing some comfort at this difficult and sad time.<br />Big hug,<br />Bob<br />_________________________________________<br /><br />FROM ME TO HIM:<br /><br />thank you bob. how cool for me that rachael was my dad's final visitor. what an amazing friend she is, and how wonderful that she has you supporting everything and everyone she cares about.Katihttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11613245177096346418noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4739335452536262487.post-28843771577474795602010-09-13T08:19:16.718-07:002010-09-13T08:19:16.718-07:00Your dad is in the top on my list of people to get...Your dad is in the top on my list of people to get to know in heaven! All of this amazing love and support pouring out for him and the family! I can't wait to tell him what a treasure it was to be part of his journey through your eyes, and tell him what he already knows about how wonderful a job he did as your father. Please give my kindest and warmest regards to you family.karlipoohhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15103389307622436088noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4739335452536262487.post-49740700262617361162010-09-13T06:11:14.626-07:002010-09-13T06:11:14.626-07:00Cheryl, Karen, Jonathan, Daniel and Aunt Patty,
I...Cheryl, Karen, Jonathan, Daniel and Aunt Patty,<br /><br />I was so sorry to hear yesterday about your dad/Uncle Phil. I am thankful that his passing was dignified and peaceful in the end, but I'm sure the loss is staggering, to say the very least. I'm thankful for the precious time you had together as a family around his bedside. What treasured memories. Our hearts and prayers are with you guys as you walk through the days ahead. We love you!<br /><br />Joel and MeganMegan Millerhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07362680750373423344noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4739335452536262487.post-3649258863111974402010-09-12T23:29:47.950-07:002010-09-12T23:29:47.950-07:00oh my goodness, my dear family. bonita, auntie sa...oh my goodness, my dear family. bonita, auntie sandi, jonathan, bethany, amy, jen, alice, brenna, nicole, emily, kelly: thank you for your heartfelt words, giving such love and support the whole day long. the more that images of heaven, reunion, memories spanning decades, and sunrises over golden shores are brought before us, the better we prepare to embrace our new reality.<br /><br />xoxoxoxoxoKatihttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11613245177096346418noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4739335452536262487.post-29762389308578277052010-09-12T21:21:29.019-07:002010-09-12T21:21:29.019-07:00I just wanted to share the words of a hymn that ha...I just wanted to share the words of a hymn that has been stuck in my head all day since the moment he passed.<br /><br />Safe in the arms of Jesus,<br />Safe on His gentle breast;<br />There by His love o’ershaded,<br />Sweetly my soul shall rest.<br />Hark! ’tis the voice of angels<br />Borne in a song to me,<br />Over the fields of glory,<br />Over the jasper sea. <br />Refrain:<br />Safe in the arms of Jesus,<br />Safe on His gentle breast;<br />There by His love o’ershaded,<br />Sweetly my soul shall rest.<br /><br />Safe in the arms of Jesus,<br />Safe from corroding care,<br />Safe from the world’s temptations;<br />Sin cannot harm me there.<br />Free from the blight of sorrow,<br />Free from my doubts and fears;<br />Only a few more trials,<br />Only a few more tears! <br />Jesus, my heart’s dear Refuge,<br />Jesus has died for me;<br />Firm on the Rock of Ages<br />Ever my trust shall be.<br />Here let me wait with patience,<br />Wait till the night is o’er;<br />Wait till I see the morning<br />Break on the golden shore.Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15334266452521775901noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4739335452536262487.post-79038731436384340172010-09-12T20:58:22.265-07:002010-09-12T20:58:22.265-07:00Karen, Thank you for giving us such a beautiful po...Karen, Thank you for giving us such a beautiful poetic description of dad's final night. Reading it brought back to mind the vivid experience like I was there again. I must say I had not planned on being there for the finale, but how fitting for him to have a team there to cheer him along the last steps to the finish line. It brings tears to my eyes as I picture the scene of those who welcomed him on the other side. Truely he saw a strong reason to break into a sprint for the final steps into eternity. I can just imagine the excitement with which he embraced his mom and dad -- I remember how much they meant to him and the devotion he gave to them in their final months. Reunion must be supremely precious.Jonathan Brucehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07703893318131897601noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4739335452536262487.post-91379824036551895952010-09-12T15:06:13.328-07:002010-09-12T15:06:13.328-07:00Precious Niece Karen, and all the family,
Your te...Precious Niece Karen, and all the family,<br /><br />Your tender, eloquent words reached us this morning, just after arriving back in America, that your dad--my sister's devoted husband of 44 years and 8 days-- finished his race, and awaits us in heaven. I have no profound words to equal yours, in response, only sad tears because he is greatly missed, and happy tears because he is with the Lord he spent his life loving, serving, and sharing--in fact, my own faith journey includes him and his wife and parents praying me 'into the kingdom' nearly 4 decades ago. <br /><br />Your 'big sister' comments are SO true for me too, regarding my big sister Patty, your mom. From early childhood, it seemed all was well when she was there with me. <br /><br />My mind and emotions ferry back to the day in 1966 she introduced me to her handsome cadet who carried Proverbs in his pocket. Wow. And to the summer I stayed with them at Pilot training in GA...and at assignment in OK...and Test Pilot school in CA...in OH...and Washington D.C. Ahhh, the memories, funny and poignant,spanning 4 decades, are etched permanently, wonderfully, on my heart. One day soon I may be able to process them all and share them with you. <br /><br />Meanwhile, THANK YOU, dear Karen, for keeping us informed enlightened and inspired along Phil's journey. Your dad would be so proud of your supreme efforts to communicate your thoughts and his status with us all, and the amazing spiritual insights God has given you along the way. John and I feel privileged to have had that dinner with him and your mom and you, the night before his fall, and the couple days afterward. We don't understand God's timing but we trust His goodness and wisdom in all things. <br /><br />SO thankful for the blessing, the gift, of that window of time-- your togetherness around his bedside as he was ushered into eternity. i'm thankful for the privilege of knowing and loving my brother-in-law Phil Bruce and for the assurance we will see him again.<br /><br />Blessings and love,<br />Aunt SandiSandi Bankshttp://www.anchorsofhope.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4739335452536262487.post-72218275782631616582010-09-12T13:38:38.893-07:002010-09-12T13:38:38.893-07:00Karen and all,
So sorry to hear of Phil's pass...Karen and all,<br />So sorry to hear of Phil's passing but what a glorious day for all in the knowledge that he is now in Heaven with not only his Heavenly Father but with his earthly father and mother as well. What a wonderful celebration banquet they must all be having today. Karen, your words, your perceptions, your ability and willingness to share this very private and difficult journey has been a wonderful gift to each of us. Thank you for sharing this. You are a very eloquent writer and I am sure your dad would be so honored to read all that you have written about his journey as well as that or your entire family. I will stay close by and await your future posts. May God continue to shine his light on you and your family during this dark time. God's peace to all of you. BonitaAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4739335452536262487.post-16840027580950138782010-09-12T11:07:40.019-07:002010-09-12T11:07:40.019-07:00gail,
it truly was a pausing, and a gathering of s...gail,<br />it truly was a pausing, and a gathering of strength. i'm so glad you can see the powerful scene in your mind's eye. i can't wait to be with you, and to thank you in person for all you have done for me in the pouring out of your love and goodness. <br /><br />amazing grace is a beautiful thing to behold.<br /><br />__________________________________________<br /><br />randy and tracy,<br />tahhh, how grateful we are for your continued prayers, and your wishes for PEACE. you both are such an important part of tim's and my love of all things canadian. how good i feel as a little sis knowing my big sis has such a fun and present friend in you.<br /><br />__________________________________<br /><br />paige,<br />you have meant so much to me, my mom, and without a doubt my dad as well, as you have so effectively cared for him and us these past weeks. how do i place words into a comment when seeing you in action would say it all?<br /><br />tim sometimes finds the pefect way to describe my global, word-less impressions: <br /><br />"paige has a knowlegeable, gentle presence and compassion. this makes her well suited for her job. when we were struggling with the unknown, it was reassuring to have her experienced, compassionate eyes in dad's room encouraging us. each of these God-given nurses and assistants every day helped us to navigate the scary parts. we began to see past our fears and trust their words, their eyes, their conscientous approach to dad's care. their strength became our own."<br /><br />THANK YOU, THANK YOU, paige, laura, shan-tay, and all of your many kind and capable co-workers, dr. butler, doctor williams. these past weeks, we have soaked up dad in a way that would not have been possible if you had not been there alongside us each step of the way.Katihttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11613245177096346418noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4739335452536262487.post-90561994909091704832010-09-12T09:43:25.632-07:002010-09-12T09:43:25.632-07:00Karen,
I was so sad today to come in and not be gr...Karen,<br />I was so sad today to come in and not be greeted by your family but I know that your dad is at peace and experiencing the glory of heaven that I can only imagine. Thank you for allowing me to care for him, it was an honor! I love how you talk about your Dad, his amazing spirit and the twinkle that was in his eye even at the end.I will be praying for your family. <br />Love, PaigeAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4739335452536262487.post-58854247205872025722010-09-12T07:04:10.036-07:002010-09-12T07:04:10.036-07:00Karen, it has been a priviledge to have been able ...Karen, it has been a priviledge to have been able to follow along on this journey with you and Cheryl and your family. You have beautifully documented this experience and we feel like we have been there with you...we will continue to keep all of you in our prayers as you face the next step of planning the celebration of Phil's life. Your dad was very very blessed to have such a supportive and loving family and it truly was divinely planned that you were all able to be with him when he passed so peacefully into eternity. May you continue to experience peace during this time of processing and planning.<br />Blessings on all of you, Randy and TracyRandy and Tracynoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4739335452536262487.post-30148861799377111792010-09-12T06:31:38.388-07:002010-09-12T06:31:38.388-07:00Karen, I cannot thank you enough for so beautifull...Karen, I cannot thank you enough for so beautifully and so eloquently putting Phil's final steps of his journey to words. I experienced a real, visual shift in my mind's eye as I litterally saw him pausing to gather the strength and the breath to make that final dash to the finish line. "I'm coming, Lord!" Open arms waiting.<br /><br />I love you so much. Each of you Bruces/Richards/Rices are so precious to me. You each delight my hear in a million ways!<br /><br />Thanks be to God that we are all part of the same race and will, by God's amazing grace, spend all of eternity celebrating in God's glorious kingdom together. "To be absent from the body is to be present with the Lord" <br /><br />Phil, I love brother. Thank you for loving me so well. You hold a special place in my heart that can never be filled by anyone else. Say Hi to Mom and Dad for me. <br /><br />Memory Eternal!Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com