Farewell to a friend

Last Monday our friend Bryon went to be with the Lord. He leaves behind him his sweet wife, Joy, and two wonderful kids - they are such a dear family. Nate and I spent the week wishing we were back in Minnesota, helping the family out in any we could. It is horrible to feel so helpless. I have been thinking about Joy and the kids constantly and just praying that in some way God can bring peace to their hearts.

My favorite memory of Bryon was shortly after his daughter, and Viggo, were born (they are three days apart). He and Joy and Nate and I all managed to be at church one Sunday when the babies were a month old, and we were all sleep deprived - but happy. When I saw his little girl in his arms I said, "Oh, she's beautiful!" And I will never forget the look on Bryon's face as he gazed at her - he was just so in love with his gorgeous daughter, and so proud of her! The smile on his face said it all. He was such a great dad, and a wonderful husband. He always had something positive and meaningful to say, and he was just fun to be with! We always had a fun time hanging out with him. I loved hearing him tell stories. He made us laugh.

Nate was blessed to have just seen Bryon up at Lake Vermilion in June. At the time I was so excited that Nate had a good visit and some great conversations with him. We never could have imagined that was the last time Nate would see him this side of heaven.

We consider it a great privilege to have known Bryon. He was a godly man and countless people admired his uncompromising faith. We are thankful for the promise in Christ that we will see him again someday. Peace be to his memory.

{To see a video memorial of Bryon, click here.}