I see my brother

Through my tears, I must write this. I feel like I just need to say it...









My brother, Travis, was a homeless man for nearly 6 years. He lived in a tent (until he caught it on fire), shelters in the winter- his frequented spot was under a bridge.

My brother was an addict. Alcohol and cigarettes, mostly. History of drugs.

My brother had mental illness, never properly diagnosed. He heard voices, he believed lies - many were his own lies and deceptions. Sadly, he rejected his family and our love for him.

Travis was a precious child. Chunky and cute. Always had a rebellious streak and getting into trouble! Travis accepted Christ as a child and was active in our church, children and youth groups. Travis was funny and was fun to be around. He could tell a story. He was a wonderful artist. He was healthy and good-looking. He could play football (#61), kickball, basketball, baseball - all he enjoyed with our eldest brother, Jason and our daddy. I remember how much he enjoyed my mom and grandmothers cooking. He liked music. He loved the beach. He worked construction. He worked off shore on rigs. He was in the army. He was an uncle, and he held my son two times. He never saw my beautiful girl or my sister's sweet son.

What happened? So many things. There are many questions that we have that will never be answered in this life. Travis' health was bad from drinking so heavily and not taking care of himself. He developed diabetes and died @ age 34 due to complications of diabetes on April 26, 2009 in Denver, CO. He was found under a bridge, alone.

Travis is now at peace with his Savior. He is no longer alone. I believe that. I know his life did not reflect a life sold out for Christ - but I believe salvation is a gift that cannot be taken away, no matter what we do.

The world saw a bum.
The lowliest in our society. Thin, long hair, scruffy beard. Dirty clothes and backpack. Weathered face and tired eyes. Panhandling, smells of smoke, in need of a shower. Someone to avoid. Someone who seemingly has no one in this world who cares for them. Drinking, passed out, lost, hopeless.
The world sees a bum.

But I see my brother. God sees His child. And no matter what he was - I love him, the Lord loves him. And I grieve what could have been and the loss of life so young. I feel God's mercy was on him, his chains are gone now. Amazing Grace, how sweet the sound, that saved a wretch like me.

Pray for me and my family as we move forward, love, Christie

Mammaw Ruby

My Mammaw went to be with Jesus on July 9th. I was struggling the last time I longed on and got my blog all "caught up". Did not think I could handle anything else right now - I still feel like I cannot - but the Lord is so good and He is giving me strength each day.

My mammaw was smart, a hard worker, a beautiful singer, had good taste, an awesome cook, a loving friend to all who knew her, protective of her family, very generous...but most of all my mammaw loved the Lord. She served Him up until the day she passed from this life into heaven where she now rest at His feet. Mammaw left a legacy of living for God. Giving all to Him, realizing it wasn't hers to begin with. See, Mammaw did not have an easy life. She grew up very poor, her father died when she was only a child. She went to work when she was 12 years old and married at 16. She gave birth to two wonderful children and cared for a sick husband for many years, all the while she worked, served, did not think of rest, always thought of others. (Maybe she should have rested, we would fuss that she needed more rest.) She always remained humble. She always loved and remembered who held tomorrow. She was faithful up until the very day her work on earth was done.

She was 76, and the last words she spoke was a prayer - speaking to her Savior, until she was brought face to face with Jesus. To her mansion in the sky, her Beulah Land, she belongs to Jesus now - her faith is complete. We will be together again. Praise God, I will see her precious face again.

Love to all, christie