Just a few thoughts about Brent’s funeral…..

* His family came front and spoke. Brent was 21 and he was not perfect. But his mother said he now is wearing angel wings. His mother was very brave, and spoke through tears, sobs and chokes. But she did it. She said her piece. I hope she has peace.

* His father, a quiet man, spoke straight to me. He said that Brent went down the path that he would not have chosen for his son. And that was fine. It was HIS path. I struggle with the same thoughts with my own child. This is not the path………..
Thanks, Bill, for saying it outloud. It’s okay for this to happen. It’s what is supposed to happen.

* The Young Americans took up almost an entire section of the church. Some came from Japan. Some rode a bus for over 30 hours. Funerals are important. They are for the living.

* The pastor said that his death was UNTIMELY and he believed that is was truly not Brent’s "time". but this is how it happened. This is our reality. Brent died. But looking around at that church, I was shocked at the sheer numbers of people there.

* Sometimes voices and feelings in your head persist.
IF NOT NOW…WHEN?
I will call somebody at the Y. I will. I really will. I’ll get to it. Not today. I’m tired today. Tomorrow, maybe. Then, years pass……..WHEN?
And I walked into the restaurant for lunch and SHE was there. My friend who recently invited me back to the Y.
WHY was she there at that minute?????

damn.

IF
NOT
NOW….
WHEN?

So the Young Americans came to Blair.

And did a show in memory of Brent Matthews.

And the auditorium was FULL. Looks like 600 people were there.
And their bus was an hour late.
And people waited.
And the other bus…the bus with the "stuff" and the music and more kids, didn’t make it.
And people stayed.
And the kids did a show with very little music. And no costumes or props.
And nobody cared.
And everybody clapped and hugged and cried and took just one moment to enjoy the talents of so many young americans who came to Blair by bus and plane and car…..just to sing.

If not now….when?

It is raining.
Just what the earth needs.
I’ve just come from the funeral home where I heard the gutteral wailing of a mother in utter despair over the death of her 21 year old son and the tremendous outpouring of support. Buses of Young Americans are coming to Blair tonight to do a concert in Brent’s memory and tomorrow they will sing at his funeral.
Friends of Brent. And Rhonda. And Bill. And Brook.
Nobody knows what to say. Or do.

If not now….when?

Let’s see….the XBOX 360 came out last FALL and now it is SPRING and we are finally seeing it in the stores. Dan was at the MegaMart and they HAD them!!!
Everyone was surprised……even Megan.

Here’s Mattman banging the cymbals at the Winter Concert.
Great job!!!