Saying Goodbye to Bruce
Another Day Along the Way
Tuesday, July 21, 2009
Another day,
Today I again remember a friend.
This date on the calendar adds another year to my age. It gives me a cool excuse for spending money I don't have to spend time with my family.
Still, deep parts of my heart and mind remain on Bruce. Today I remember a friend.
Since Bruce Knighton's surprising death last Thursday, people in this area continue telling the stories of their experiences with him. I only knew Bruce for three years. Many of you knew him much longer. But in those three years Bruce made a major impact in my life. And the life of my family.
He made us feel welcome in the move to Georgia from Florida. We sat at basketball games together; we both knew the game and could discuss offense, defense, decisions, and momentum.
We rode to games together; Bruce insisted on driving. We ate meals together; Bruce tried to insist on paying. We listened to each other speak in various settings. We laughed at each other's jokes and prayed prayers for one another. Bruce and his family helped our youngest son feel at home.
Now, my friend Bruce has left us and found a new home. He has ridden to a new place for a championship never obtained in gyms of free throws and fans and a full court press and drives to the basket and three point shots. He is being served meals which have already been paid for.
I miss Bruce. His comments, his laughter, his friendship. I think about his wife, his daughter, his son. I think about life. This journey of uncertainty, of surprises, of life, of death.
I remember Bruce telling a basketball player to "beat them to the hole." These days I've been asking Bruce why he beat us home.
Bruce welcomed us in our move to Georgia. Though many people grieve in his departure, so many more have welcomed him in a city much bigger than Lavonia, GA. His new home is beside water so much larger than Lake Hartwell. I think of Bruce being there, waiting on us all.
When we move to his new town, he'll be there to welcome us. Between now and then, we'll miss our friend.
Thanks Bruce. You made us feel welcome.
Along the way,
Chris Maxwell
Powerful Statement: Dying is not final, only life.
(Calvin Miller, The Finale)
Tuesday, July 21, 2009
Another day,
Today I again remember a friend.
This date on the calendar adds another year to my age. It gives me a cool excuse for spending money I don't have to spend time with my family.
Still, deep parts of my heart and mind remain on Bruce. Today I remember a friend.
Since Bruce Knighton's surprising death last Thursday, people in this area continue telling the stories of their experiences with him. I only knew Bruce for three years. Many of you knew him much longer. But in those three years Bruce made a major impact in my life. And the life of my family.
He made us feel welcome in the move to Georgia from Florida. We sat at basketball games together; we both knew the game and could discuss offense, defense, decisions, and momentum.
We rode to games together; Bruce insisted on driving. We ate meals together; Bruce tried to insist on paying. We listened to each other speak in various settings. We laughed at each other's jokes and prayed prayers for one another. Bruce and his family helped our youngest son feel at home.
Now, my friend Bruce has left us and found a new home. He has ridden to a new place for a championship never obtained in gyms of free throws and fans and a full court press and drives to the basket and three point shots. He is being served meals which have already been paid for.
I miss Bruce. His comments, his laughter, his friendship. I think about his wife, his daughter, his son. I think about life. This journey of uncertainty, of surprises, of life, of death.
I remember Bruce telling a basketball player to "beat them to the hole." These days I've been asking Bruce why he beat us home.
Bruce welcomed us in our move to Georgia. Though many people grieve in his departure, so many more have welcomed him in a city much bigger than Lavonia, GA. His new home is beside water so much larger than Lake Hartwell. I think of Bruce being there, waiting on us all.
When we move to his new town, he'll be there to welcome us. Between now and then, we'll miss our friend.
Thanks Bruce. You made us feel welcome.
Along the way,
Chris Maxwell
Powerful Statement: Dying is not final, only life.
(Calvin Miller, The Finale)
15 Comments:
HEY CHRIS, THIS ONE GETS ME. THANKS. HAVE A GREAT BIRTHDAY EVEN IN TIMES OF GRIEF.
My Brother Chris,
I am sorry for your loss. He must have been a fantastic guy! I will pray for all of those affected and his family.
HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!! I ask God's continued blessings and favor on you and your family this year! I miss you! Tom Wilmoth
Hey C,
Happy Birthday!!!! from the Mascarenhas clan.
Cyn
We are missing Bruce too. WHat a great guy he was. THank you for your writing.
R
Chris,
As always, you have managed to put true feelings into meaningful words. Sorry for your loss. Hope you enjoy your birthday with the family.
Shep and family
My heart goes out to you and Bruce's family. Peace be with you, brother.
Shaun Beaucaire
Chris, thanks for the words about Bruce. He was a great guy. I hope you have a happy birthday and a wonderful time with your family.
Linton Johnson
Chris,
Bruce is one more person I'm sorry I missed the blessing of knowing. I will be praying for all in your grief.
Happy 29th birthday!
Charlotte
Happy Birthday, Pastor Chris!
I hope you have a great day!
and i just thought i'd let you know that i really enjoy reading your newsletters. :)
today's was yet another thought provoking blog.
Happy Birthday. I just finished your post on "Runaway Pastor", posted it in my notes pages and then sent it out to all the pastors and ministers of the Harvest Conference. I have watched so many over the years leave feeling like failures when the only failure was a failure to understand their personal giftings. They gave everything only to come short because they were not gifted or called to that position. Thanks for the post
What a wonderful letter. Coach Knighton was my high school basketball coach. He and I kept in touch over the years just by running in to each other. He attended a few basketball games that I coached during my coaching career. I got to see him and receive one of his wonderful hugs one last time the Sunday before he died. One thing I will always remember about him is that he loved to play, and he was good at it!
My Friend,
Thanks for the article, I feel your grief, and know you so well... You always know just the right words to say, right
from the heart..and again I know you so I know that it is a heavy for you.... I send you my condolences, and also
again, a most blessed birthday...Hope it is a great one, and know that we love and miss you so so much.... Looking
forward to seeing you......
Have a blessed day and give my love to the family
Much love & prayers
Helen & Joe
Enjoy a Blessed Birthday!
Kore and Michelle Liow
Honolulu, Hawaii
Thank you for those kind words about Bruce. I know his family will be blessed by them. I pray God's blessings upon you today as you celebrate another year in His service.
Happy Birthday !!!
Awesome words for Bruce. Happy Birthday. Love Joel and family
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