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Tuesday, December 25, 2007 11:35 AM CST
"Be strong and courageous and get to work. Don't be frightened by the size of the task, for the Lord my God is with you; He will not forsake you. He will see to it that everything is finished correctly." 1 Chronicles 28:20 Very special thanks to Julie Tweeten, Rachel's mom, who sent us this beautiful poem with a very special pewter engraved ornament in memory of Bryce! Merry Christmas & HAPPY BIRTHDAY, BABY JESUS!!! "I am the Way, the Truth, and the LIFE." John 14:6 Mitchell's scripture reading from Bryce's funeral: Romans 8:30-39. "If God is for us, who is against us?" Sir Bryce Breuer, a young knight, from the land of Goodhue, "But those who hope in the LORD will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint." Isaiah 40:31
Friday, December 21, 2007 10:18 PM CST "Be strong and courageous and get to work. Don't be frightened by the size of the task, for the Lord my God is with you; He will not forsake you. He will see to it that everything is finished correctly." 1 Chronicles 28:20 Very special thanks to Julie Tweeten, Rachel's mom, who sent us this beautiful poem with a very special pewter engraved ornament in memory of Bryce! Good Evening & Merry Christmas to everyone~ "I am the Way, the Truth, and the LIFE." John 14:6 Mitchell's scripture reading from Bryce's funeral: Romans 8:30-39. "If God is for us, who is against us?" Sir Bryce Breuer, a young knight, from the land of Goodhue, "But those who hope in the LORD will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint." Isaiah 40:31
Wednesday, December 19, 2007 12:36 AM CST "Be strong and courageous and get to work. Don't be frightened by the size of the task, for the Lord my God is with you; He will not forsake you. He will see to it that everything is finished correctly." 1 Chronicles 28:20 Mitchell's scripture reading from Bryce's funeral: Romans 8:30-39. "If God is for us, who is against us?" Sir Bryce Breuer, a young knight, from the land of Goodhue, "But those who hope in the LORD will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint." Isaiah 40:31 Thursday, December 13, 2007 2:48 PM CST "Be strong and courageous and get to work. Don't be frightened by the size of the task, for the Lord my God is with you; He will not forsake you. He will see to it that everything is finished correctly." 1 Chronicles 28:20 Mitchell's scripture reading from Bryce's funeral: Romans 8:30-39. "If God is for us, who is against us?" Sir Bryce Breuer, a young knight, from the land of Goodhue, "But those who hope in the LORD will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint." Isaiah 40:31
Friday, December 7, 2007 10:53 PM CST "Be strong and courageous and get to work. Don't be frightened by the size of the task, for the Lord my God is with you; He will not forsake you. He will see to it that everything is finished correctly." 1 Chronicles 28:20 Mitchell's scripture reading from Bryce's funeral: Romans 8:30-39. "If God is for us, who is against us?" Sir Bryce Breuer, a young knight, from the land of Goodhue, "But those who hope in the LORD will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint." Isaiah 40:31
Wednesday, December 5, 2007 2:30 PM CST "Be strong and courageous and get to work. Don't be frightened by the size of the task, for the Lord my God is with you; He will not forsake you. He will see to it that everything is finished correctly." 1 Chronicles 28:20 Mitchell's scripture reading from Bryce's funeral: Romans 8:30-39. "If God is for us, who is against us?" Sir Bryce Breuer, a young knight, from the land of Goodhue, "But those who hope in the LORD will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint." Isaiah 40:31
Friday, November 23, 2007 11:49 PM CST "Be strong and courageous and get to work. Don't be frightened by the size of the task, for the Lord my God is with you; He will not forsake you. He will see to it that everything is finished correctly." 1 Chronicles 28:20 Mitchell's scripture reading from Bryce's funeral: Romans 8:30-39. "If God is for us, who is against us?" Sir Bryce Breuer, a young knight, from the land of Goodhue, "But those who hope in the LORD will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint." Isaiah 40:31
Thursday, November 22, 2007 8:30 AM CST "Be strong and courageous and get to work. Don't be frightened by the size of the task, for the Lord my God is with you; He will not forsake you. He will see to it that everything is finished correctly." 1 Chronicles 28:20 Mitchell's scripture reading from Bryce's funeral: Romans 8:30-39. "If God is for us, who is against us?" Sir Bryce Breuer, a young knight, from the land of Goodhue, "But those who hope in the LORD will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint." Isaiah 40:31 Monday, November 19, 2007 2:35 PM CST "Be strong and courageous and get to work. Don't be frightened by the size of the task, for the Lord my God is with you; He will not forsake you. He will see to it that everything is finished correctly." 1 Chronicles 28:20 Mitchell's scripture reading from Bryce's funeral: Romans 8:30-39. "If God is for us, who is against us?" Sir Bryce Breuer, a young knight, from the land of Goodhue, "But those who hope in the LORD will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint." Isaiah 40:31
Monday, November 12, 2007 9:37 AM CST "Be strong and courageous and get to work. Don't be frightened by the size of the task, for the Lord my God is with you; He will not forsake you. He will see to it that everything is finished correctly." 1 Chronicles 28:20 Mitchell's scripture reading from Bryce's funeral: Romans 8:30-39. "If God is for us, who is against us?" Sir Bryce Breuer, a young knight, from the land of Goodhue, "But those who hope in the LORD will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint." Isaiah 40:31 Thursday, November 8, 2007 2:12 PM CST "Be strong and courageous and get to work. Don't be frightened by the size of the task, for the Lord my God is with you; He will not forsake you. He will see to it that everything is finished correctly." 1 Chronicles 28:20 Mitchell's scripture reading from Bryce's funeral: Romans 8:30-39. "If God is for us, who is against us?" Sir Bryce Breuer, a young knight, from the land of Goodhue, "But those who hope in the LORD will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint." Isaiah 40:31 Saturday, November 3, 2007 9:09 AM CDT "Be strong and courageous and get to work. Don't be frightened by the size of the task, for the Lord my God is with you; He will not forsake you. He will see to it that everything is finished correctly." 1 Chronicles 28:20 HAPPY 11th BIRTHDAY LOGAN TIMOTHY!!! You arrived into this world with such enthusiasm and zest for life...And, you've never held back since! I remember you screaming as the doctor checked you out. You grabbed hold of his stethoscope and wouldn't let go. When you did finally let go, you grabbed it again with your other hand. You had a head full of hair that looked like someone put a highlighted wig on you. You were so adorable! We love you so much!!! God saw he was getting tired and a cure was not to be. Mitchell's scripture reading from Bryce's funeral: Romans 8:30-39. "If God is for us, who is against us?" Sir Bryce Breuer, a young knight, from the land of Goodhue, "But those who hope in the LORD will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint." Isaiah 40:31 Thursday, November 1, 2007 10:00 PM CDT "Be strong and courageous and get to work. Don't be frightened by the size of the task, for the Lord my God is with you; He will not forsake you. He will see to it that everything is finished correctly." 1 Chronicles 28:20 God saw he was getting tired and a cure was not to be. Mitchell's scripture reading from Bryce's funeral: Romans 8:30-39. "If God is for us, who is against us?" Sir Bryce Breuer, a young knight, from the land of Goodhue, "But those who hope in the LORD will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint." Isaiah 40:31
Sunday, October 28, 2007 10:31 PM CDT "Be strong and courageous and get to work. Don't be frightened by the size of the task, for the Lord my God is with you; He will not forsake you. He will see to it that everything is finished correctly." 1 Chronicles 28:20 HAPPY BIRTHDAY, AUNTIE SHELLEY! We hope you had a nice birthday! You deserve a little pampering so we'll have to see what we can line up for ya! Thanks for always being there for us... We love you! God saw he was getting tired and a cure was not to be. Mitchell's scripture reading from Bryce's funeral: Romans 8:30-39. "If God is for us, who is against us?" Sir Bryce Breuer, a young knight, from the land of Goodhue, "But those who hope in the LORD will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint." Isaiah 40:31 Wednesday, October 24, 2007 10:38 PM CDT "Be strong and courageous and get to work. Don't be frightened by the size of the task, for the Lord my God is with you; He will not forsake you. He will see to it that everything is finished correctly." 1 Chronicles 28:20 HAPPY 4th BIRTHDAY, ETHAN ALEXANDER!!! God saw he was getting tired and a cure was not to be. Mitchell's scripture reading from Bryce's funeral: Romans 8:30-39. "If God is for us, who is against us?" Sir Bryce Breuer, a young knight, from the land of Goodhue, "But those who hope in the LORD will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint." Isaiah 40:31
Wednesday, October 24, 2007 9:58 AM CDT "Be strong and courageous and get to work. Don't be frightened by the size of the task, for the Lord my God is with you; He will not forsake you. He will see to it that everything is finished correctly." 1 Chronicles 28:20 HAPPY 4th BIRTHDAY, ETHAN ALEXANDER!!! God saw he was getting tired and a cure was not to be. Mitchell's scripture reading from Bryce's funeral: Romans 8:30-39. "If God is for us, who is against us?" Sir Bryce Breuer, a young knight, from the land of Goodhue, "But those who hope in the LORD will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint." Isaiah 40:31 Wednesday, October 10, 2007 12:47 PM CDT "Be strong and courageous and get to work. Don't be frightened by the size of the task, for the Lord my God is with you; He will not forsake you. He will see to it that everything is finished correctly." 1 Chronicles 28:20 God saw he was getting tired and a cure was not to be.
Merry Christmas From Heaven:
I still hear the songs
I still see the lights
I still feel your love
on cold wintery nights
I still share your hopes
and all of your cares
I'll even remind you
to please say your prayers
I just want to tell you
you still make me proud
You stand head and shoulders
above all the crowd
Keep trying each moment
to stay in His grace
I came here before you
to help set your place
You don't have to be
perfect all of the time
he forgives you the slip
If you continue to climb
To my family and friends
please be thankful today
I'm still close beside you
In a new special way
I love you all dearly
now don't shed a tear
Cause I'm spending my
Christmas with Jesus this year
By John Wm. Mooney, Jr.
Good morning, Brycer~
We love you and miss you so very much... It hasn't been easy but we are getting through these couple of days of Christmas without you. I know that you are here with us but we sure wish we could see your million-dollar smile again. And, HOLD and HUG you again!!! You had such innocent excitement at Christmas time. It was pure joy...which I know you are feeling right now. You had a special way of making everyone feel so incredibly special. Your beautiful blue-gray eyes would melt us every time we looked into them. I loved how you would plop down onto my lap in the morning as I sat on the floor. It was like it was your "most comfortable spot". I know it was mine...just to hold you there. You were so excited with your gifts last year, even though you were not feeling very good. You always "toughed it out" as you told Julie H...she loved that!
Last night in church, I was remembering when we went to our first Christmas Eve service at our church when you were 4 years old. You had a slight fever and you fell asleep in my arms. I held you the whole service and carried you, sleeping, up to communion. It felt so good to hold you...you were soooo heavy. I was so proud. And now, you sing with the angels in heaven. Wow.
Thank you for coming with us to the Nursing Home yesterday. It was so much fun! I am so glad you came to me with the message to Harold and your Dad. I didn't know anything about Harold when I was talking to him, and you just kept jumping in...and up and down...to tell me he was a farmer, like your dad. It was loud and clear in my right ear... I loved it!!! WOW... Thank you so much!
And now, we are due to be at Great Grandma Buck's at noon, and Ethan has the flu... I remember the year we pulled into Great Grandma & Grandpa Buck's house, and I turned around to check on you in your car seat because you started to cry. Right then, you started throwing up. Poor little guy. I went home with you then. You were only 3 years old. What a blessing you have been in our lives, Bryce Andrew Breuer... What a BLESSING.
We love you and miss you so much. Thank you for all of the tears of joy and tears of sadness that you have helped us through. You were unique and incredible in your very own way!!! You were a gift to all of us. Please keep watching over your brothers. Tell Jesus HI and HAPPY BIRTHDAY. We'll see ya soon, Brycer.
With all my love and admiration for you, honey. You're my guy...
Love, Mom
Friday, December 21, 2007
Good Evening & Merry Christmas to everyone~
We have had some busy days but, I believe, the weekend should be quiet. I am soooo looking forward to that. We need some quiet time together. I don't want to make this entry to be all about us. I really, truly, in my heart, want it to be about everyone else... There are so many people in this world dealing with daily struggles who need our prayers. We can get so caught up in our own "stuff". This Christmas season, let's just take a look around and give to those in need. We don't know what "stuff" is going on in other people's lives but we do know, and remember (with friendly reminders sometimes), that it is better to give than to receive. Bryce has received the ultimate gift...eternal life in heaven. Wow... "I can only imagine..." God's promises are so true, if only we would "look through the eyes of a child, that's when you truly live"--just as all of the K-6 children sang at school during their Christmas program yesterday. I LOVE THAT!!! Bryce did "truly live" while he was here on this earth! As I have been reading my Bible(slowly but surely since Bryce died), the scriptures tell us to look (and believe) through the eyes of a child...AMEN to that! As we grow up, we tend to become realists, sometimes pesimists. God wants us to trust in Him with our whole being. Why do we break everything down and analyze everything? (Because we are human.) Why not WALK BY FAITH, NOT BY SIGHT...? For some reason, Bryce was taken from us to his eternal Home at a very early age. But, really... Isn't that our life goal, anyway? If it's not, it should be. I'll tell you what... It's my life goal... My son is there waiting to embrace me someday. And, I will unite with him again. Do not pray for him or ask if he is ok. He is way better than ok... He is full of indescribable, majestic joy!!! He is looking at the face of Jesus!!! I can't even fathom it...
OK, so let's get down to the nitty gritty. You don't have to listen or read my thoughts or journal entries. I'm ok with that. Everyone needs to do what they feel is best for them. I won't judge you. Who am I to judge anyone? I am just as much a sinner as everyone else. I just want to speak my thoughts before Christmas Day because it's not all about the presents. It's not all about rushing around and being stressed out. It's not all about fancy food and clean houses...sure those things are nice! But really, truly...It's all about the baby Jesus. Where would we be without his gift to us? He lived on this earth for 33 years and LOOK at what he accomplished? Because of Jesus, we will receive the eternal gift that our little Brycer received--10 months ago tomorrow. What a brave soul he was...Bryce too. If you have any doubts in your mind if there is NEW life on the other side...then, maybe you should open your Bible. I tried about 5 years ago, and I just couldn't follow it for some reason. But after losing Bryce, I have a new, deeper understanding and HUNGER for the Bible, its scriptures, and God's word--the history. I believe, it's the difference between a 'want' and a 'need'. Don't get me wrong, you shouldn't wait for something tragic to happen in your life before you open your Bible. That's more of a reason to open it...to help you get some kind of understanding and preparation so you can help others, or help yourself, in your own daily struggles--big or small. I just know what it has done for me. It has opened my eyes. We were driving to Rochester today to start (and finish) our Christmas shopping and it hit me... As sad, and lonely, as I am that Bryce is no longer (physically) with us here on earth, I have so much joy in my heart for all of the many blessings that God has given me in my life!!! I thank God everyday for my life and His unconditional love!!!
I told you about a very special couple that we met at the Mayo Remembrance Ceremony in November. There son, Jack, died almost a year before Bryce. There son, Alex, is Joel's age and looks so much like our Bryce. Well, Lynn and I emailed each other this week, and I found myself wanting to shout "EXACTLY!!!" as I cried through what she wrote... Lynn is so gifted with words and I want to share them with you...
"I was glad to see you all made it through Thanksgiving. The holidays are so difficult. I find everyday to be some sort of a struggle, it is amazing to me, how I can be going about my daily routine and something out of nowhere will hit me, either a smell or the sound of someone's voice and it will knock me to my knees. Amazingly, I am as heartbroken by these events as I am happy by them... I guess I am still just so thankful to be able to feel the memories of when Jack was here with us. Oddly enough, there are days when I allow myself the treat of doing nothing but remembering all the wonderful times and sometimes not so wonderful times...that Clint and I now find funny!!!!! God's humor shines through..
How are you handling Christmas coming up? I find the days leading up to the day to be more difficult than the actual day. I know celebrating Christmas in Heaven has got to be something awesome and spectacular, but the thought of not having my whole family with me on Christmas, not having my now 5 year old discovering his presents under the tree, still just seems unbearable. I know Jack will be sitting with our heavenly father and experiencing the truest meaning of Christmas, but what my head knows and my heart feels is not always the same.
I will be praying for you and your family to have an amazing peace during this holiday season. I think, continuing to smile and finding joy in things is honoring our boys in the best way. They both seemed to find joy and bring a smile in the most difficult of times, so by doing it ourselves we are continuing their spirit."
Is that beautiful or what?! Especially the last sentence... Thanks, Lynn. I sooooooo needed your words. God is so good.
So, this brings me back to my first paragraph...Giving to others. Giving has so many approaches. The most specific and helpful giving (in my mind) is first and foremost 'prayers'. Prayers for everyone! Even if you don't think they need them...give them! Then, it could be a smile, a kind gesture, a gift, some food, a ride to church, an invitation for coffee, a Bible, an offer of help with the children...ANYTHING! Tim & I are so incredibly grateful for EVERYTHING that we have!!! We are so incredibly GRATEFUL for everything that you have all done for us!!! Life is so precious. Life is such a gift. The salvation that we can receive from our Lord and Savious, Jesus Christ, is so simple. It's all about giving to others and believing in him. It is especially important to me this Christmas season because of the gift of 'time with' and 'love from' that we received from 'Bryce'. We truly realize what a gift Bryce was, and our boys' are, to us. This morning on KTIS, they played an audio of a 13 year old boy named, Logan, from Nebraska who called in to a Houston, TX Christian Radio Station a few months back. Please copy and paste this link (http coming next) into your address bar. You will be soooooo glad you did! My boys' loved the whole conversation! They were amazed by this young boys message to the world... His wisdom is beyond words. He is our FUTURE... The children are our FUTURE. Please listen to it!
http://ktisblog.skylightradio.org/main/2007/12/21/logan-the-nebraska-cowboy/
As I'm finishing up tonight, I want you to know 'yes', we are missing Brycer like crazy at Christmas. Everywhere we look--at home, at school, anywhere--we are reminded of Bryce. Everything we see in the stores that is John Deere, we say "Bryce would have loved that..." We want so badly to buy those things for him. We wish we could. But, Bryce would have wanted us to give to others...just as his compassionate heart wanted to do at all times. There was never a doubt in his mind to give to others--except maybe his brothers occasionally...hmmm. And, please don't ever be concerned if you should mention our (or other's) loved one who passed away... For us to speak of our loved one is HEALING. Healing. We want to heal so bad. We want other's to heal. We WANT our loved one's to be remembered ALWAYS--never to be forgotten! Bryce continues to give us signs--3 "Brave" songs this week at the most appropriate and perfect timing... It's amazing. And now, Bryce has a new friend in heaven. Ali arrived yesterday from this dreadful disease. Please pray for her family. They are from Michigan. Pray for their healing and strength in the next few very busy, closing days of Ali's life on earth. "Emmanuel: God with us"... by Mercy Me comes to mind.
Please continue to pray for Lisa who battles her relapse of cancer, LeAnn who is newly diagnosed with cancer, Austin: www.caringbridge.org/visit/brandypeterson who battles a brain tumor, Isaac: www.caringbridge.org/visit/isaaclieser who just finished radiation for neuroblastoma, and Barb: www.caringbridge.org/visit/barbberg who just finished chemo. They are all such warriors armored by the word of God!!! They will receive TRIUMPH AND VICTORY by the Grace of God... As always, God gets all the glory. Please keep the prayers coming for all of the people who have lost a loved one. They have a gaping hole in their hearts. They miss their loved one more than anyone could ever imagine, especially during the Christmas season. Please pray for their peace within and for some joy at Christmas. And remember, Jesus is the Reason for the Season. "Look through the eyes of a child and truly live..." We love and appreciate all of you so very much.
**From Bryce's favorite Bible book marker which has Jesus' picture on the front.
"Walk by faith, not by sight." **Bryce's favorite!!!
"With God all things are possible." Matthew 19:26. My favorite!
"So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand."
Isaiah 41:10
"Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength. Impress them on your children. These commandments that I give you today are to be upon your hearts. Talk about them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up. Tie them as symbols on your hands and bind them on your foreheads. Write them on the doorframes of your houses and on your gates." Deuteronomy 6:5-9
The St. Cloud Hospital, CentraCare Foundation, and St. Cloud Optimists Clubs are sponsoring the Sixth Annual Minnesota Tree of Hope. The tree will glitter with dozens of gold ribbons each bearing the name of a child who has, or has had cancer. The tree will be displayed at the CentraCare Health Plaza in St. Cloud, MN starting on December 17, 2007.
Please join us for the ceremony on Sunday, January 13, 2008 from 1-4 pm in the Windfeldt Room at the
CentraCare Health Plaza.
1900 Centracare Circle
St. Cloud, MN 56303
We all hope you can attend this very touching ceremony.
Please call the Pediatric Short Stay clinic if you have questions or need directions. (320) 229-4923.
"I will build them up and not tear them down; I will plant them and not uproot them. I will give them a heart to know me, that I am the Lord. They will be my people, and I will be their God." Jeremiah 24:6-7
Bryce was a great fisherman--walleyes, northern pike, and crappies feared him--but he was an even greater fisher-of-men, women , and young people. He'd cast out his love, kindness, thoughtfulness, and generosity--and everyone he met would latch onto that bait and never let go.
Logan's scripture reading from Bryce's funeral: "I lift up my eyes to the hills--where does my help come from? My help comes from the Lord, the Maker of heaven and earth." Psalm 121:1-2 That is from one of our favorite songs "Praise You In The Storm" by Casting Crowns.
Your heart has proved to be brave and true.
A warrior so gallant, courageous and strong,
He is wise beyond years, though this knight be so young,
Sir Bryce wakes to battle and fights valiantly 'til nigh,
Slaying dragons that circle on land and in sky,
He is clad with thick armor 'tis weightless as air,
His sword is our love and his shield is our prayer,
No dragon shall defeat our noble Sir Bryce,
For he is carried forth always by our Lord Jesus Christ.
~By Nyla Hagen, Ellen's mom and our very dear friend~
We've met many new faces on our son's journey with cancer. We feel the pain of many family's who also struggle with cancer or another life-threatening disease. Please say a prayer for all the little people on 3 Francis of St. Mary's Hospital. Pray for God's healing touch for each one of these children. Pray for strength for each of their family's. And, pray for those who have not yet placed their child in God's hands, to do so. They need to give Him all of the control. With God, we have everything. Without Him, we have nothing. Please continue to send out prayers for all those fighting their battles, like Will, Kristin, Kristina, Griffin, Jackson, Isaac, Melanie, Signe, Teagon, Rachel, Wes, Paul, Heidi, Ethan, Joe, Jamie, Nikki, Brock, Sierra, Ellen, Austin, Kat, Audrey, Barbara, Josh, Rian, & Alyssa. Pray for strength for all of the family's who have lost a loved one to cancer or another disease. These people are all so special to us!!! Give them strength, Lord, and give them peace within.
Take Care & God Bless~
The Breu Crew
Tim & Susie Breuer, Mitchell, Logan, ~Bryce~, Joel, & Ethan
Merry Christmas From Heaven:
I still hear the songs
I still see the lights
I still feel your love
on cold wintery nights
I still share your hopes
and all of your cares
I'll even remind you
to please say your prayers
I just want to tell you
you still make me proud
You stand head and shoulders
above all the crowd
Keep trying each moment
to stay in His grace
I came here before you
to help set your place
You don't have to be
perfect all of the time
he forgives you the slip
If you continue to climb
To my family and friends
please be thankful today
I'm still close beside you
In a new special way
I love you all dearly
now don't shed a tear
Cause I'm spending my
Christmas with Jesus this year
By John Wm. Mooney, Jr.
We have had some busy days but, I believe, the weekend should be quiet. I am soooo looking forward to that. We need some quiet time together. I don't want to make this entry to be all about us. I really, truly, in my heart, want it to be about everyone else... There are so many people in this world dealing with daily struggles who need our prayers. We can get so caught up in our own "stuff". This Christmas season, let's just take a look around and give to those in need. We don't know what "stuff" is going on in other people's lives but we do know, and remember (with friendly reminders sometimes), that it is better to give than to receive. Bryce has received the ultimate gift...eternal life in heaven. Wow... "I can only imagine..." God's promises are so true, if only we would "look through the eyes of a child, that's when you truly live"--just as all of the K-6 children sang at school during their Christmas program yesterday. I LOVE THAT!!! Bryce did "truly live" while he was here on this earth! As I have been reading my Bible(slowly but surely since Bryce died), the scriptures tell us to look (and believe) through the eyes of a child...AMEN to that! As we grow up, we tend to become realists, sometimes pesimists. God wants us to trust in Him with our whole being. Why do we break everything down and analyze everything? (Because we are human.) Why not WALK BY FAITH, NOT BY SIGHT...? For some reason, Bryce was taken from us to his eternal Home at a very early age. But, really... Isn't that our life goal, anyway? If it's not, it should be. I'll tell you what... It's my life goal... My son is there waiting to embrace me someday. And, I will unite with him again. Do not pray for him or ask if he is ok. He is way better than ok... He is full of indescribable, majestic joy!!! He is looking at the face of Jesus!!! I can't even fathom it...
OK, so let's get down to the nitty gritty. You don't have to listen or read my thoughts or journal entries. I'm ok with that. Everyone needs to do what they feel is best for them. I won't judge you. Who am I to judge anyone? I am just as much a sinner as everyone else. I just want to speak my thoughts before Christmas Day because it's not all about the presents. It's not all about rushing around and being stressed out. It's not all about fancy food and clean houses...sure those things are nice! But really, truly...It's all about the baby Jesus. Where would we be without his gift to us? He lived on this earth for 33 years and LOOK at what he accomplished? Because of Jesus, we will receive the eternal gift that our little Brycer received--10 months ago tomorrow. What a brave soul he was...Bryce too. If you have any doubts in your mind if there is NEW life on the other side...then, maybe you should open your Bible. I tried about 5 years ago, and I just couldn't follow it for some reason. But after losing Bryce, I have a new, deeper understanding and HUNGER for the Bible, its scriptures, and God's word--the history. I believe, it's the difference between a 'want' and a 'need'. Don't get me wrong, you shouldn't wait for something tragic to happen in your life before you open your Bible. That's more of a reason to open it...to help you get some kind of understanding and preparation so you can help others, or help yourself, in your own daily struggles--big or small. I just know what it has done for me. It has opened my eyes. We were driving to Rochester today to start (and finish) our Christmas shopping and it hit me... As sad, and lonely, as I am that Bryce is no longer (physically) with us here on earth, I have so much joy in my heart for all of the many blessings that God has given me in my life!!! I thank God everyday for my life and His unconditional love!!!
I told you about a very special couple that we met at the Mayo Remembrance Ceremony in November. There son, Jack, died almost a year before Bryce. There son, Alex, is Joel's age and looks so much like our Bryce. Well, Lynn and I emailed each other this week, and I found myself wanting to shout "EXACTLY!!!" as I cried through what she wrote... Lynn is so gifted with words and I want to share them with you...
"I was glad to see you all made it through Thanksgiving. The holidays are so difficult. I find everyday to be some sort of a struggle, it is amazing to me, how I can be going about my daily routine and something out of nowhere will hit me, either a smell or the sound of someone's voice and it will knock me to my knees. Amazingly, I am as heartbroken by these events as I am happy by them... I guess I am still just so thankful to be able to feel the memories of when Jack was here with us. Oddly enough, there are days when I allow myself the treat of doing nothing but remembering all the wonderful times and sometimes not so wonderful times...that Clint and I now find funny!!!!! God's humor shines through..
How are you handling Christmas coming up? I find the days leading up to the day to be more difficult than the actual day. I know celebrating Christmas in Heaven has got to be something awesome and spectacular, but the thought of not having my whole family with me on Christmas, not having my now 5 year old discovering his presents under the tree, still just seems unbearable. I know Jack will be sitting with our heavenly father and experiencing the truest meaning of Christmas, but what my head knows and my heart feels is not always the same.
I will be praying for you and your family to have an amazing peace during this holiday season. I think, continuing to smile and finding joy in things is honoring our boys in the best way. They both seemed to find joy and bring a smile in the most difficult of times, so by doing it ourselves we are continuing their spirit."
Is that beautiful or what?! Especially the last sentence... Thanks, Lynn. I sooooooo needed your words. God is so good.
So, this brings me back to my first paragraph...Giving to others. Giving has so many approaches. The most specific and helpful giving (in my mind) is first and foremost 'prayers'. Prayers for everyone! Even if you don't think they need them...give them! Then, it could be a smile, a kind gesture, a gift, some food, a ride to church, an invitation for coffee, a Bible, an offer of help with the children...ANYTHING! Tim & I are so incredibly grateful for EVERYTHING that we have!!! We are so incredibly GRATEFUL for everything that you have all done for us!!! Life is so precious. Life is such a gift. The salvation that we can receive from our Lord and Savious, Jesus Christ, is so simple. It's all about giving to others and believing in him. It is especially important to me this Christmas season because of the gift of 'time with' and 'love from' that we received from 'Bryce'. We truly realize what a gift Bryce was, and our boys' are, to us. This morning on KTIS, they played an audio of a 13 year old boy named, Logan, from Nebraska who called in to a Houston, TX Christian Radio Station a few months back. Please copy and paste this link (http coming next) into your address bar. You will be soooooo glad you did! My boys' loved the whole conversation! They were amazed by this young boys message to the world... His wisdom is beyond words. He is our FUTURE... The children are our FUTURE. Please listen to it!
http://ktisblog.skylightradio.org/main/2007/12/21/logan-the-nebraska-cowboy/
As I'm finishing up tonight, I want you to know 'yes', we are missing Brycer like crazy at Christmas. Everywhere we look--at home, at school, anywhere--we are reminded of Bryce. Everything we see in the stores that is John Deere, we say "Bryce would have loved that..." We want so badly to buy those things for him. We wish we could. But, Bryce would have wanted us to give to others...just as his compassionate heart wanted to do at all times. There was never a doubt in his mind to give to others--except maybe his brothers occasionally...hmmm. And, please don't ever be concerned if you should mention our (or other's) loved one who passed away... For us to speak of our loved one is HEALING. Healing. We want to heal so bad. We want other's to heal. We WANT our loved one's to be remembered ALWAYS--never to be forgotten! Bryce continues to give us signs--3 "Brave" songs this week at the most appropriate and perfect timing... It's amazing. And now, Bryce has a new friend in heaven. Ali arrived yesterday from this dreadful disease. Please pray for her family. They are from Michigan. Pray for their healing and strength in the next few very busy, closing days of Ali's life on earth. "Emmanuel: God with us"... by Mercy Me comes to mind.
Please continue to pray for Lisa who battles her relapse of cancer, LeAnn who is newly diagnosed with cancer, Austin: www.caringbridge.org/visit/brandypeterson who battles a brain tumor, Isaac: www.caringbridge.org/visit/isaaclieser who just finished radiation for neuroblastoma, and Barb: www.caringbridge.org/visit/barbberg who just finished chemo. They are all such warriors armored by the word of God!!! They will receive TRIUMPH AND VICTORY by the Grace of God... As always, God gets all the glory. Please keep the prayers coming for all of the people who have lost a loved one. They have a gaping hole in their hearts. They miss their loved one more than anyone could ever imagine, especially during the Christmas season. Please pray for their peace within and for some joy at Christmas. And remember, Jesus is the Reason for the Season. "Look through the eyes of a child and truly live..." We love and appreciate all of you so very much.
**From Bryce's favorite Bible book marker which has Jesus' picture on the front.
"Walk by faith, not by sight." **Bryce's favorite!!!
"With God all things are possible." Matthew 19:26. My favorite!
"So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand."
Isaiah 41:10
"Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength. Impress them on your children. These commandments that I give you today are to be upon your hearts. Talk about them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up. Tie them as symbols on your hands and bind them on your foreheads. Write them on the doorframes of your houses and on your gates." Deuteronomy 6:5-9
The St. Cloud Hospital, CentraCare Foundation, and St. Cloud Optimists Clubs are sponsoring the Sixth Annual Minnesota Tree of Hope. The tree will glitter with dozens of gold ribbons each bearing the name of a child who has, or has had cancer. The tree will be displayed at the CentraCare Health Plaza in St. Cloud, MN starting on December 17, 2007.
Please join us for the ceremony on Sunday, January 13, 2008 from 1-4 pm in the Windfeldt Room at the
CentraCare Health Plaza.
1900 Centracare Circle
St. Cloud, MN 56303
We all hope you can attend this very touching ceremony.
Please call the Pediatric Short Stay clinic if you have questions or need directions. (320) 229-4923.
"I will build them up and not tear them down; I will plant them and not uproot them. I will give them a heart to know me, that I am the Lord. They will be my people, and I will be their God." Jeremiah 24:6-7
Bryce was a great fisherman--walleyes, northern pike, and crappies feared him--but he was an even greater fisher-of-men, women , and young people. He'd cast out his love, kindness, thoughtfulness, and generosity--and everyone he met would latch onto that bait and never let go.
Logan's scripture reading from Bryce's funeral: "I lift up my eyes to the hills--where does my help come from? My help comes from the Lord, the Maker of heaven and earth." Psalm 121:1-2 That is from one of our favorite songs "Praise You In The Storm" by Casting Crowns.
Your heart has proved to be brave and true.
A warrior so gallant, courageous and strong,
He is wise beyond years, though this knight be so young,
Sir Bryce wakes to battle and fights valiantly 'til nigh,
Slaying dragons that circle on land and in sky,
He is clad with thick armor 'tis weightless as air,
His sword is our love and his shield is our prayer,
No dragon shall defeat our noble Sir Bryce,
For he is carried forth always by our Lord Jesus Christ.
~By Nyla Hagen, Ellen's mom and our very dear friend~
We've met many new faces on our son's journey with cancer. We feel the pain of many family's who also struggle with cancer or another life-threatening disease. Please say a prayer for all the little people on 3 Francis of St. Mary's Hospital. Pray for God's healing touch for each one of these children. Pray for strength for each of their family's. And, pray for those who have not yet placed their child in God's hands, to do so. They need to give Him all of the control. With God, we have everything. Without Him, we have nothing. Please continue to send out prayers for all those fighting their battles, like Will, Kristin, Kristina, Griffin, Jackson, Isaac, Melanie, Signe, Teagon, Rachel, Wes, Paul, Heidi, Ethan, Joe, Jamie, Nikki, Brock, Sierra, Ellen, Austin, Kat, Audrey, Barbara, Josh, Rian, & Alyssa. Pray for strength for all of the family's who have lost a loved one to cancer or another disease. These people are all so special to us!!! Give them strength, Lord, and give them peace within.
Take Care & God Bless~
The Breu Crew
Tim & Susie Breuer, Mitchell, Logan, ~Bryce~, Joel, & Ethan
HAPPY BIRTHDAY, JORDAN MARIA!!! You are such a wonderful niece and cousin! Have the best birthday ever, sweetie! I wanted to get this in before you left for school today... I knew you would check! We love you so much!!!
NEW PHOTOS ADDED TO THE PHOTO ALBUM!!! Check them out!
I will update more after I get some sleep. We're just trying to get some things done tonight. I'm working on Christmas cards/letters, and Tim is working on the checkbook to prepare for taxes. Sleep well tonight. Don't forget to say your prayers! We love you, Brycer...
Please, please, please pray for Lisa,
Austin: www.caringbridge.org/visit/brandypeterson,
Isaac: www.caringbridge.org/visit/isaaclieser, and
Barb: www.caringbridge.org/visit/barbberg.
Please continue to pray for these people fighting their battles. Don't let up on the prayers!
"I am the Way, the Truth, and the LIFE." John 14:6 **From Bryce's favorite Bible book marker which has Jesus' picture on the front--from Teresa.
"Worry about nothing. Pray about EVERYTHING."
"Walk by faith, not by sight." **Bryce's favorite!!!
"With God all things are possible." Matthew 19:26. **My favorite!!!
"Be strong and courageous and get to work. Don't be frightened by the size of the task, for the Lord my God is with you; He will not forsake you. He will see to it that everything is finished correctly." 1 Chronicles 28:20
"But all this I laid to heart, examining it all, how the righteous and the wise and their deeds are in the hand of God." Ecclesiastes 9:1
"I will build them up and not tear them down; I will plant them and not uproot them. I will give them a heart to know me, that I am the Lord. They will be my people, and I will be their God." Jeremiah 24:6-7
"I lift up my eyes to the hills--where does my help come from? My help comes from the Lord, the Maker of heaven and earth." Psalm 121:1-2
"So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand." Isaiah 41:10
"Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength. Impress them on your children. These commandments that I give you today are to be upon your hearts. Talk about them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up. Tie them as symbols on your hands and bind them on your foreheads. Write them on the doorframes of your houses and on your gates." Deuteronomy 6:5-9
Place a Childhood Cancer Gold Ribbon dedication on the Minnesota Tree of Hope in honor or memory of a child who has, or has had cancer. (There is no cost to add a ribbon to the tree.)
The St. Cloud Hospital, CentraCare Foundation, and St. Cloud Optimists Clubs are sponsoring the Sixth Annual Minnesota Tree of Hope. To place a dedication on the tree to honor your child, you can do one of the following:
1) Print this page, fill out the form, and mail it to the address on the bottom of the form.
2) Email the form back to childhoodcancer@aol.com.
3) Call the Pediatric Short Stay Unit at 320-229-4923.
Please include:
1. Child’s name and age
2. Type of cancer
3. A picture of your child
4. A written dedication (optional; 50 words or less)
Please submit the information by December 14, 2007. We will accept dedications up until January 4, 2008.
The tree will glitter with dozens of gold ribbons each bearing the name of a child who has, or has had cancer. The tree will be displayed at the CentraCare Health Plaza in St. Cloud, MN starting on December 17, 2007.
Please join us for the ceremony on Sunday, January 13, 2008 from 1-4 pm in the Windfeldt Room at the
CentraCare Health Plaza.
1900 Centracare Circle
St. Cloud, MN 56303
We all hope you can attend this very touching ceremony.
Please call the Pediatric Short Stay clinic if you have questions or need directions. (320) 229-4923.
"I will build them up and not tear them down; I will plant them and not uproot them. I will give them a heart to know me, that I am the Lord. They will be my people, and I will be their God." Jeremiah 24:6-7
Bryce was a great fisherman--walleyes, northern pike, and crappies feared him--but he was an even greater fisher-of-men, women , and young people. He'd cast out his love, kindness, thoughtfulness, and generosity--and everyone he met would latch onto that bait and never let go.
Logan's scripture reading from Bryce's funeral: Psalm 121 "I lift my eyes to the hills--from where will my help come? My help comes from the Lord, who made heaven and earth." That is from one of our favorite songs "Praise You In The Storm" by Casting Crowns.
Your heart has proved to be brave and true.
A warrior so gallant, courageous and strong,
He is wise beyond years, though this knight be so young,
Sir Bryce wakes to battle and fights valiantly 'til nigh,
Slaying dragons that circle on land and in sky,
He is clad with thick armor 'tis weightless as air,
His sword is our love and his shield is our prayer,
No dragon shall defeat our noble Sir Bryce,
For he is carried forth always by our Lord Jesus Christ.
~By Nyla Hagen, Ellen's mom and my very dear friend~
We've met many new faces on our son's journey with cancer. We feel the pain of many family's who also struggle with cancer or another life-threatening disease. Please say a prayer for all the little people on 3 Francis of St. Mary's Hospital. Pray for God's healing touch for each one of these children. Pray for strength for each of their family's. And, pray for those who have not yet placed their child in God's hands, to do so. They need to give Him all of the control. With God, we have everything. Without Him, we have nothing. Please continue to send out prayers for all those fighting their battles, like Silas, Will, Kristin, Kristina, Griffin, Jackson, Isaac, Melanie, Signe, Teagon, Ella, Rachel, Wes, Paul, Heidi, Ethan, Joe, Jamie, Nikki, Brock, Sierra, Ellen, Austin, Kat, Audrey, Barbara, Josh, Rian, & Alyssa. Pray for strength for all of the family's who have lost a loved one to cancer or another disease. These people are all so special to us!!! Give them strength, Lord, and give them peace within.
Take Care & God Bless~
The Breu Crew
Tim & Susie Breuer, Mitchell, Logan, ~Bryce~, Joel, & Ethan
Winter Warmth Children's Festival
Where: St. John's Catholic Church
11 4th Ave SW
Rochester, MN. 55906
When: Sunday, Dec. 16th
Noon to 4pm
The winter festival will be a collaborative community event for
Camp Jornada and Brighter Tomorrows providing youthful cancer-patients and their families the opportunity to enjoy an afternoon of entertainment and diversion free-of-charge and from the everyday struggles associated with their illnesses.
The event will be designed in the likeness of a children's carnival and will take place at St. Johns Gymnasium in Rochester, MN on Sunday, December 16th from noon-4:00pm.
This event will be an interactive carnival between Mayo Medical Students and children who have or are fighting cancer along with their families.
Activities will include games such as face painting, ring toss, the
basketball shoot, arts and crafts, board games, a bouncy house, plenty of singing and dancing, etc.
PLEASE RSVP TO WINTERWARMTHFESTIVAL@yahoo.com and please bring the whole family:)
If you have any questions please contact winterwarmthfestival@yahoo.com
HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO KELLI!!! You a such a blessing as a neice and cousin, Kelli! We hope that you have a very wonderful and happy birthday!!! Love you, sweetie!
NEW PHOTOS ADDED TO THE PHOTO ALBUM!!! Check them out!
It's not about me or my family today. Bryce is great. He's in heaven feeling no pain, sadness, or sorrow...only ~MAJESTIC JOY~. He's the happiest he's ever been. He'll soon be celebrating Christ's birth in heaven!!! Let's continue to carry on Bryce's legacy of LOVE and COMPASSION for OTHER'S!!! His huge heart was so compassionate for those who were sick and fighting their battles, ESPECIALLY THE CHILDREN but so much for adults, too... It's about everyone who is out there fighting their battles... It's about other's who have "momentarily said goodbye" to a loved one until they are once again joined together in their NEW eternal home. Pray for their peace (and signs) at Christmas.
It's about positive healing in the body and soul through Christ alone. It's about the gift of baby Jesus and his birth. It's about trusting in the Lord with all of your heart, soul, and mind. It's about giving it your all and giving it to God. It's about giving to other's whether it be a smile, a gift or a kind gesture. It's about POWERFUL PRAYERS in Jesus precious name... There is always someone who has it worse. Please, please, please pray for Lisa,
Austin: www.caringbridge.org/visit/brandypeterson,
Isaac: www.caringbridge.org/visit/isaaclieser, and
Barb: www.caringbridge.org/visit/barbberg.
They are faithful servant's doing incredible work. They inspire, believe, and have tremendous faith! Speak of LIFE is the message they give. Give to other's today...
"I am the Way, the Truth, and the LIFE." John 14:6 **From Bryce's favorite Bible book marker which has Jesus' picture on the front--from Teresa.
My devotions this week have been reinforcing me/us to allow the Holy Spirit to work through me/us--in our lives and carry it on to others, instead of ignoring it. I feel like I am being promted to share some scriptures that keep popping into my head...remember, I'm not real good at remembering where they are at in the Bible...but I am working on that area! It's really important!
"Worry about nothing. Pray about EVERYTHING."
"Walk by faith, not by sight." **Bryce's favorite!!!
"With God all things are possible." Matthew 19:26. **My favorite!!!
"Be strong and courageous and get to work. Don't be frightened by the size of the task, for the Lord my God is with you; He will not forsake you. He will see to it that everything is finished correctly." 1 Chronicles 28:20
"But all this I laid to heart, examining it all, how the righteous and the wise and their deeds are in the hand of God." Ecclesiastes 9:1
"I will build them up and not tear them down; I will plant them and not uproot them. I will give them a heart to know me, that I am the Lord. They will be my people, and I will be their God." Jeremiah 24:6-7
"I lift up my eyes to the hills--where does my help come from? My help comes from the Lord, the Maker of heaven and earth." Psalm 121:1-2
"So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand." Isaiah 41:10
"Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength. Impress them on your children. These commandments that I give you today are to be upon your hearts. Talk about them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up. Tie them as symbols on your hands and bind them on your foreheads. Write them on the doorframes of your houses and on your gates." Deuteronomy 6:5-9
Place a Childhood Cancer Gold Ribbon dedication on the Minnesota Tree of Hope in honor or memory of a child who has, or has had cancer. (There is no cost to add a ribbon to the tree.)
The St. Cloud Hospital, CentraCare Foundation, and St. Cloud Optimists Clubs are sponsoring the Sixth Annual Minnesota Tree of Hope. To place a dedication on the tree to honor your child, you can do one of the following:
1) Print this page, fill out the form, and mail it to the address on the bottom of the form.
2) Email the form back to childhoodcancer@aol.com.
3) Call the Pediatric Short Stay Unit at 320-229-4923.
Please include:
1. Child’s name and age
2. Type of cancer
3. A picture of your child
4. A written dedication (optional; 50 words or less)
Please submit the information by December 14, 2007. We will accept dedications up until January 4, 2008.
The tree will glitter with dozens of gold ribbons each bearing the name of a child who has, or has had cancer. The tree will be displayed at the CentraCare Health Plaza in St. Cloud, MN starting on December 17, 2007.
Please join us for the ceremony on Sunday, January 13, 2008 from 1-4 pm in the Windfeldt Room at the
CentraCare Health Plaza.
1900 Centracare Circle
St. Cloud, MN 56303
We all hope you can attend this very touching ceremony.
Please call the Pediatric Short Stay clinic if you have questions or need directions. (320) 229-4923.
"I will build them up and not tear them down; I will plant them and not uproot them. I will give them a heart to know me, that I am the Lord. They will be my people, and I will be their God." Jeremiah 24:6-7
Bryce was a great fisherman--walleyes, northern pike, and crappies feared him--but he was an even greater fisher-of-men, women , and young people. He'd cast out his love, kindness, thoughtfulness, and generosity--and everyone he met would latch onto that bait and never let go.
Logan's scripture reading from Bryce's funeral: Psalm 121 "I lift my eyes to the hills--from where will my help come? My help comes from the Lord, who made heaven and earth." That is from one of our favorite songs "Praise You In The Storm" by Casting Crowns.
Your heart has proved to be brave and true.
A warrior so gallant, courageous and strong,
He is wise beyond years, though this knight be so young,
Sir Bryce wakes to battle and fights valiantly 'til nigh,
Slaying dragons that circle on land and in sky,
He is clad with thick armor 'tis weightless as air,
His sword is our love and his shield is our prayer,
No dragon shall defeat our noble Sir Bryce,
For he is carried forth always by our Lord Jesus Christ.
~By Nyla Hagen, Ellen's mom and my very dear friend~
We've met many new faces on our son's journey with cancer. We feel the pain of many family's who also struggle with cancer or another life-threatening disease. Please say a prayer for all the little people on 3 Francis of St. Mary's Hospital. Pray for God's healing touch for each one of these children. Pray for strength for each of their family's. And, pray for those who have not yet placed their child in God's hands, to do so. They need to give Him all of the control. With God, we have everything. Without Him, we have nothing. Please continue to send out prayers for all those fighting their battles, like Silas, Will, Kristin, Kristina, Griffin, Jackson, Isaac, Melanie, Signe, Teagon, Ella, Rachel, Wes, Paul, Heidi, Ethan, Joe, Jamie, Nikki, Brock, Sierra, Ellen, Austin, Kat, Audrey, Barbara, Josh, Rian, & Alyssa. Pray for strength for all of the family's who have lost a loved one to cancer or another disease. These people are all so special to us!!! Give them strength, Lord, and give them peace within.
Take Care & God Bless~
The Breu Crew
Tim & Susie Breuer, Mitchell, Logan, ~Bryce~, Joel, & Ethan
Winter Warmth Children's Festival
Where: St. John's Catholic Church
11 4th Ave SW
Rochester, MN. 55906
When: Sunday, Dec. 16th
Noon to 4pm
The winter festival will be a collaborative community event for
Camp Jornada and Brighter Tomorrows providing youthful cancer-patients and their families the opportunity to enjoy an afternoon of entertainment and diversion free-of-charge and from the everyday struggles associated with their illnesses.
The event will be designed in the likeness of a children's carnival and will take place at St. Johns Gymnasium in Rochester, MN on Sunday, December 16th from noon-4:00pm.
This event will be an interactive carnival between Mayo Medical Students and children who have or are fighting cancer along with their families.
Activities will include games such as face painting, ring toss, the
basketball shoot, arts and crafts, board games, a bouncy house, plenty of singing and dancing, etc.
PLEASE RSVP TO WINTERWARMTHFESTIVAL@yahoo.com and please bring the whole family:)
If you have any questions please contact winterwarmthfestival@yahoo.com
HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO GRANDMA LINDA (Saturday)!!! We love you more than you could ever imagine! We hope you have a very special birthday and get many signs from your heavenly grandson, Bryce Andrew!
Good evening,
This one will be short. We needed to make sure to announce Grandma's birthday but also call out the Prayer Warriors once again... There are many people suffering in this world that we can help. Little Austin is 8 years old. He is suffering from a brain tumor. This little guy reminds me of Bryce. What a heart of gold... He has accepted that he will see Jesus' face soon, and he is taking it all in just as he can. He's amazing. (Now, bear with me...I am terrible at remembering the exact words of certain scriptures but this one is one of my very favorites--and I know I do not have it quoted exactly as it is in the Bible.) As Jesus said, "Let the children come to me for the kingdom of heaven belongs to them." That brings me comfort... Please pray some powerful prayers for Austin to be at peace, for less pain, for God's presence to be known by everyone. Austin is a little angel on earth. He is just precious. His webpage is www.caringbridge.org/visit/brandypeterson. His mom, Brandy, updates daily. I've asked Bryce to hang out with him, if he can... Please pray for their family's strength and peace within.
It's been a rough and emotional day today. It was one year ago today (Friday) that we found out that Bryce had relapsed and that his bone marrow was packed with leukemia. Here is his very own (and only) entry from that day...
"Hi everone this is Bryce writing in the gestbook.Today I had a spinle tap,and a bone marrow biospy.Then we left the clinick at 9:30 ,and then we get home at 11:30 then we ate lunch then when we were eating lunch dr.arndt called and said there is leukemia cells in my bone marrow a gen."
I will never forget our incredible little boy who was so strong and brave for his parents in our kitchen that day. He asked me, "Mom, will we get all the cancer out again?" And, I said, "Oh honey, we don't know but we will sure try." He paused and said, "Will I live to be as old as my brothers?" I said, "We don't know, honey..." And, he started to cry--which was so rare... Then, he had this amazing ability... I wish we all had what he had... He could pick himself up from a terrible, awful situation and change his attitude, his mood, and make all of us smile and be hopeful and full of faith... I remember how he sat at the table and colored me Christmas pictures and made a rainbow on the table out of clay. He said silly things and made us smile. He made us stronger, even when there was little hope. That is exactly what he did the day's after his initial diagnosis when he was only 5 years old. He was always so amazing... I wish I had the strength of that giant!!! That giant was my son... It's been a day full of memories of relapse which I can't control, and I don't enjoy. It just happens. But, today at 12:28, "Brave" began to play on the radio. Bryce sent me the song, he knew I needed it. He wants me to be BRAVE. I believe it was that conversation that I just told you about that happened a year ago at that exact time. Then, "How Great Is Our God" came on after... We loved that song together. We praised God with that song... Please praise God for all you have... Life is so precious. It is such a gift... Bryce received his gift early... Please pray for everyone who has lost a loved one or is losing a loved one. The Christmas season is so full of emotions, even when life is "normal". The emotions are kicked up by 300 percent when life is "not normal" anymore... It's a daily struggle... God will lead us through. We will all celebrate Christ's birth, especialy Bryce and all of our loved one's in heaven... If Bryce could get through what he did in his short life, than we can get through this...by the grace of God. We love and appreciate all of you!
"I will build them up and not tear them down; I will plant them and not uproot them. I will give them a heart to know me, that I am the Lord. They will be my people, and I will be their God." Jeremiah 24:6-7
Bryce was a great fisherman--walleyes, northern pike, and crappies feared him--but he was an even greater fisher-of-men, women , and young people. He'd cast out his love, kindness, thoughtfulness, and generosity--and everyone he met would latch onto that bait and never let go.
Logan's scripture reading from Bryce's funeral: Psalm 121 "I lift my eyes to the hills--from where will my help come? My help comes from the Lord, who made heaven and earth." That is from one of our favorite songs "Praise You In The Storm" by Casting Crowns.
Your heart has proved to be brave and true.
A warrior so gallant, courageous and strong,
He is wise beyond years, though this knight be so young,
Sir Bryce wakes to battle and fights valiantly 'til nigh,
Slaying dragons that circle on land and in sky,
He is clad with thick armor 'tis weightless as air,
His sword is our love and his shield is our prayer,
No dragon shall defeat our noble Sir Bryce,
For he is carried forth always by our Lord Jesus Christ.
We've met many new faces on our son's journey with cancer. We feel the pain of many family's who also struggle with cancer or another life-threatening disease. Please say a prayer for all the little people on 3 Francis of St. Mary's Hospital. Pray for God's healing touch for each one of these children. Pray for strength for each of their family's. And, pray for those who have not yet placed their child in God's hands, to do so. They need to give Him all of the control. With God, we have everything. Without Him, we have nothing. Please continue to send out prayers for all those fighting their battles, like Silas, Will, Kristin, Kristina, Griffin, Jackson, Isaac, Melanie, Signe, Teagon, Ella, Rachel, Wes, Paul, Heidi, Ethan, Joe, Jamie, Nikki, Brock, Sierra, Ellen, Austin, Kat, Audrey, Barbara, Josh, Rian, & Alyssa. Pray for strength for all of the family's who have lost a loved one to cancer or another disease. These people are all so special to us!!! Give them strength, Lord, and give them peace within.
Take Care & God Bless~
The Breu Crew
Tim & Susie Breuer, Mitchell, Logan, ~Bryce~, Joel, & Ethan
2:30pm Update:
Please send out some powerful prayers for Silas' family. Silas is now walking with Jesus in heaven, hand-in-hand. I'm sure that ~Bryce~ and ~Jack~ and ~Charlie~ and all of the many other members of heaven's Welcoming Committee met him at heaven's gates. Bryce was telling me to pray for him...He knew that today would be Silas' last day on earth. To God be the glory...
Lord, we ask You to help us remain loyal, faithful, and humble servants, and soldiers, of Your army for Christ. We know that everyday is a gift from You. And, Lord, we ask that You open our eyes to the true gift which is Your only Son who sacrificed his life for us so that we may have the gift of eternal life in heaven. We open our hearts to give unconditional love to others, just as You want us to. We open our hands to reach up, to You, and not out. We ask You to light our path to walk by Your guidance of faith, not by sight. Lord, let Your will be done, not our's... Amen.
7:51 AM Good Morning,
I hope you are all well. Sorry it has been so long again. It's that roller coaster ride that we've been on that distracts me from updating some days. We sure do appreciate your continuous prayers for our family. What a struggle it is to try and prepare yourself for celebrating Christmas without your child... Of course, we will celebrate Christ's birth...that is what this season is all about! We wouldn't be able to look forward to heaven, and reuniting with Bryce and our many loved one's, if Jesus hadn't come to earth to save us from our sins and give us the gift of eternal life in heaven. Thank you, God, for Your son, Jesus...
We went to Nikki's celebration of life in the cities and it was beautiful and amazing! Everything was just as it should be. The music they chose was perfect: "When I Get Where I'm Goin'" by Brad Paisly and Dolly Parton, and "Ready, Set, Don't Go" by Billy Ray & Miley Silas. I just think that those were the perfect songs for an incredible 16 year old young woman who touched so many lives... My favorite part of the celebration was when they played Nikki's Faith Statement from confirmation last year... WOW... To hear her soft, delicate voice speak such words of wisdom and faith. It was truly amazing. She has done so much of the work of Christ in her short life... Thank you for everything you have done for so many of us, Nikki. You are an inspiration and such a blessing each and every day. Thank you to Mark, Kristi, and Emile for sharing such a beautiful soul with the rest of this world. She continues to touch lives...
Now, I will call out all the Prayer Warrior's again. There is a little boy named Silas that we met on an elevator at St. Mary's Hospital last December. He was with his parents. Well, do you remember when Bryce put toys at each of the kids doors in the hospital that one day? That was something that was soooooooo very important to him. He had such compassion for kids who were sick and fighting their battles! His precious, little heart poured out such love and concern for them... Well, Bryce left a barn set at Silas' door. And, Silas' dad came and found Bryce before we left that day and told him "Thank you" and that Silas loved the set! Nothing could have pleased Bryce more that day... It was so beautiful to see the twinkle and joy in Bryce's eyes that day when Silas' dad found us. As Bryce's mom, I am so grateful to God that He lined all of that up that day. That meant the world to me too that Bryce got to hear about one of the children loving what he did for them. Although, Bryce wasn't expecting any thank you's. He just wanted joy for the children who were suffering...Bless his heart.
Well, yesterday I read on Jackson's CB page to pray for Silas. So, I finally found Silas' Care Page: Go to carepage.com and his page is: trackingsilas. Remember now, Bryce's signs come in 3's... So, I went to Nov. 10 and things were fine with Silas. I went to Nov. 15 and that was the day that they found out his Neuroblastoma (cancer) was back. Then, I went to Nov. 16 (3rd date I checked) and started to read... I read that they decided not to put Silas in any studies with medications. As I started to read the 2nd sentence, I came to: "we are looking into natural options" which made my heart jump because that is what we did with Bryce (sign #1). As I read "natural options", Bryce's song "Brave" started playing on the radio that very second (2nd sign). And, within 2 seconds, Bryce's John Deere tractor clock went off on the hour!!!! 3rd sign within seconds of each other!!! I immediately started bawling like a crazy woman!!! I knew Bryce wanted me to reach out to Silas' family and call out to the Prayer Warrior's. That was the message he was sending to me... So, please pray for Silas and his family. Pray for his healing and strength. They are a family of huge faith! They are giving it all to God. Pray for their strength. They just got back from their Make-A-Wish trip to Universal Studios to meet Diego. I am so grateful that we had our "meeting" last December...
So, this morning I had my alarm set for 6:30. I haven't set my alarm for a few weeks. Well, remember I heard "Brave" yesterday--I hadn't heard it since Thanksgiving... Yep, you guessed it..."Brave" was playing when my alarm went off this morning. It was Bryce telling me to get up and get an update done and try to get some exercise in...bless his heart! I know that many of you are wondering how we are doing. It's a hard thing to explain. Some days we smile with the memories, and some days we can't stop crying with the memories. We never even imagined that losing a child would be so unbearably painful. Sounds silly. We thought we could get through it, which we will but only through Christ... I guess what I'm trying to say is keep the prayers coming...for everyone who has lost a loved one. I'm at a loss for words. Our love and gratitude to all of you for your continued support and comfort in our times of struggle. Special thanks to Marty (Smarty, as the boys' would say) & Barb who gave us the evergreen cross to put up at Bryce's gravesite. We LOVE it! We know that Bryce wanted a cross there--I thought of putting up a wreath or small tree, but Bryce wanted a cross, of course! Please keep Christ at the center of your life. Focus on what you do on this earth that will please your heavenly Father. That is what matters most... We love you all.
"I will build them up and not tear them down; I will plant them and not uproot them. I will give them a heart to know me, that I am the Lord. They will be my people, and I will be their God." Jeremiah 24:6-7
Bryce was a great fisherman--walleyes, northern pike, and crappies feared him--but he was an even greater fisher-of-men, women , and young people. He'd cast out his love, kindness, thoughtfulness, and generosity--and everyone he met would latch onto that bait and never let go.
Logan's scripture reading from Bryce's funeral: Psalm 121 "I lift my eyes to the hills--from where will my help come? My help comes from the Lord, who made heaven and earth." That is from one of our favorite songs "Praise You In The Storm" by Casting Crowns.
Your heart has proved to be brave and true.
A warrior so gallant, courageous and strong,
He is wise beyond years, though this knight be so young,
Sir Bryce wakes to battle and fights valiantly 'til nigh,
Slaying dragons that circle on land and in sky,
He is clad with thick armor 'tis weightless as air,
His sword is our love and his shield is our prayer,
No dragon shall defeat our noble Sir Bryce,
For he is carried forth always by our Lord Jesus Christ.
We've met many new faces on our son's journey with cancer. We feel the pain of many family's who also struggle with cancer or another life-threatening disease. Please say a prayer for all the little people on 3 Francis of St. Mary's Hospital. Pray for God's healing touch for each one of these children. Pray for strength for each of their family's. And, pray for those who have not yet placed their child in God's hands, to do so. They need to give Him all of the control. With God, we have everything. Without Him, we have nothing. Please continue to send out prayers for all those fighting their battles, like Silas, Will, Kristin, Kristina, Griffin, Jackson, Isaac, Melanie, Signe, Teagon, Ella, Rachel, Wes, Paul, Heidi, Ethan, Joe, Jamie, Nikki, Brock, Sierra, Ellen, Austin, Kat, Audrey, Barbara, Josh, Rian, & Alyssa. Pray for strength for all of the family's who have lost a loved one to cancer or another disease. These people are all so special to us!!! Give them strength, Lord, and give them peace within.
Take Care & God Bless~
The Breu Crew
Tim & Susie Breuer, Mitchell, Logan, ~Bryce~, Joel, & Ethan
I know that I just updated yesterday but I am here tonight calling out to all of our Prayer Warriors. Our friend, Nikki Schaut, completed her journey here on earth today. She was only 16 years old but lived her life with perseverance, determination, bravery, strength, courage, and unwavering faith as she battled cancer. She was amazing... Now, we need to pray for strength for her mom, dad, and sister--Kristi, Mark, and Emile--as they begin a new journey in their lives. I know that God is holding them close, so let's all hold them close with prayers and love. Nikki's webpage is www.caringbridge.org/visit/nikkischaut. Please send them a message of support and comfort. I don't know why our children must endure what they do but I do know that with our family's own personal adversities is spiritual growth. I just want you to hold them close to your hearts and lift them high in prayer. I am at a loss for words...
I do want you also to know that I have received some more signs from Bryce and God... Yesterday, my sister Pam and her kids came in for our Thanksgiving meal here around 12:20. They were the last to arrive, so we could eat then. Low and behold, what song do you think started playing as soon as they stepped into the kitchen??? "BRAVE"... Bryce was letting us know that "we were all together so LET'S EAT!" What a great kid... Also, today I saw a hawk on my way to the cities to see "Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat" at the Chanhassen Dinner Theatre--A MUST SEE!!! When I saw the hawk, I said "Hi Noelle!" Then, I heard in my head "You will see an eagle today." Well, guess what?! On the way home from the cities, a beautiful HUGE eagle flew 25 feet from our car!!! I haven't seen one since Anna's funeral... Within 10 seconds, I saw a hawk sitting in a tree on the same side of the road. That's right, 3... Now, I wonder if Nikki had anything to do with the 3rd beautiful bird... No one could convince me that there could be so many "coincidences" in life. It's all God's work... Pray for Nikki's family for signs. Our hearts pour out to them. We love and appreciate you all.
May this next scripture give you peace in your heart and trust in the Lord...
"I will build them up and not tear them down; I will plant them and not uproot them. I will give them a heart to know me, that I am the Lord. They will be my people, and I will be their God." Jeremiah 24:6-7
Bryce was a great fisherman--walleyes, northern pike, and crappies feared him--but he was an even greater fisher-of-men, women , and young people. He'd cast out his love, kindness, thoughtfulness, and generosity--and everyone he met would latch onto that bait and never let go.
Logan's scripture reading from Bryce's funeral: Psalm 121 "I lift my eyes to the hills--from where will my help come? My help comes from the Lord, who made heaven and earth." That is from one of our favorite songs "Praise You In The Storm" by Casting Crowns.
Your heart has proved to be brave and true.
A warrior so gallant, courageous and strong,
He is wise beyond years, though this knight be so young,
Sir Bryce wakes to battle and fights valiantly 'til nigh,
Slaying dragons that circle on land and in sky,
He is clad with thick armor 'tis weightless as air,
His sword is our love and his shield is our prayer,
No dragon shall defeat our noble Sir Bryce,
For he is carried forth always by our Lord Jesus Christ.
We've met many new faces on our son's journey with cancer. We feel the pain of many family's who also struggle with cancer or another life-threatening disease. Please say a prayer for all the little people on 3 Francis of St. Mary's Hospital. Pray for God's healing touch for each one of these children. Pray for strength for each of their family's. And, pray for those who have not yet placed their child in God's hands, to do so. They need to give Him all of the control. With God, we have everything. Without Him, we have nothing. Please continue to send out prayers for all those fighting their battles, like Will, Kristin, Kristina, Griffin, Jackson, Isaac, Melanie, Signe, Teagon, Ella, Rachel, Wes, Paul, Heidi, Ethan, Joe, Jamie, Nikki, Brock, Sierra, Ellen, Austin, Kat, Audrey, Barbara, Josh, Rian, & Alyssa. Pray for strength for all of the family's who have lost a loved one to cancer or another disease. These people are all so special to us!!! Give them strength, Lord, and give them peace within.
Take Care & God Bless~
The Breu Crew
Tim & Susie Breuer, Mitchell, Logan, ~Bryce~, Joel, & Ethan
Good Morning & Happy Thanksgiving,
We have a few snow flakes coming down this morning. I like to think of it as Bryce "seasoning us with his (unique and beautiful) love from heaven"...since he can't season the turkey this year. **He'll season us turkeys, lol.** Everything we've done this morning, from making the stuffing to stuffing the bird to seasoning the bird has been done with many, many memories of our Brycer. His brothers have all had their hands in on the activities of the day, too. They are thoroughly enjoying it, just as he would if he was here.
It has been 9 months today--to the day--that Bryce went to heaven. Wow... Tim and I still can't believe it. These last 3 days have been some of the hardest days I've ever experienced in my life. I miss Bryce soooooo unbelievably bad. He loved Thanksgiving. He loved cooking and eating all of the incredible food. He was such a joy to be around...ALWAYS! I've been so crabby and grumpy. I never knew that I could miss someone so very much. But, last night we had a family meeting of emotions. We cried, we talked, and we expressed what we are feeling. Both Tim and I felt better after our talk with the boys. It's amazing how the release of emotions can ease your mind and heart just a little. Thank goodness...
I want to say how THANKFUL I am for all of you. Our family has been blessed beyond words... We are so THANKFUL for all of Bryce's buddies who were "hand-picked" by God to be Bryce's comforters, supporters, and life-long friends. Many of them have said that Bryce was their "best friend they ever had". These kids are incredible. They have taught me so much in life. Thank you for my beautiful surprise this week, Ryan! The orange flowers are so beautiful. I especially love the red-headed angel in the center that says "Best Friends"!!! Your letter brings tears to my eyes every time I read it... Thank you. Like I said, these children were "hand-picked" by the Good Lord. I don't know how else to express it in such a beautiful way. Praise God for the people and comforters in our lives. God places everyone in the path of His plan. Have a wonderful Thanksgiving Day. We love you all.
MEMORIES: Bryce loved the Thanksgiving feast, and he LOVED helping us prepare and cook the organic turkey last year!!! It was one of his many specialties... He always knew exactly how much seasoning to sprinkle. And, it always tasted soooooo delicious. He was very proud of that! He always remembered to baste the turkey every so often. He would put on his Chef's hat and apron before every basting session. He couldn't stay out of the kitchen. He was so enticed by cooking the turkey meal. He put all of his energy into it. And, he would rave about the smells!!! This year, Logan and Joel will step up to the plate to carry on Bryce's legacy in the kitchen. And, they will enjoy every minute of it. What a blessing it has been to have them in the kitchen with me lately. Mitch even got in there last night. Ethan has ALWAYS loved touching every one else's food...lol. In fact, that 'touching of food' would test Bryce's patience! Oh, the memories.............. We miss him so much...
So,...do me, Bryce, and the Good Lord a favor this Thanksgiving week...
**Slow down.
**Hug your children more.
**Cook with your kids.
**Let them do things in the kitchen that you normally wouldn't allow them to do.
**Tell them how thankful you are for them.
**Thank God for your children in front of them.
**And, share with them how important it is to GIVE GOD ALL THE GLORY!!!
**Then, surprise someone with something nice. It could be a card filled with prayers for them. It could be a surprise cup of coffee. It could be a phone call. It could be a visit. It could be a hug. It could be a song. You don't even need to "announce" to them that you have done so...Just do it! Ask God for His guidance. My outlook on life has changed dramatically! Please look at life as a PRECIOUS GIFT, and I mean PRECIOUS!!! And then, look at your life and how you can live it--everyday--for your future which is eternal life in God's presence, walking with Jesus...just like our Brycer and his many heavenly friends...
We love you, buddy.
You're my guy...
HAPPY THANKSGIVING TO ALL OF YOU!!! May this next scripture give you peace in your heart and trust in the Lord...
"I will build them up and not tear them down; I will plant them and not uproot them. I will give them a heart to know me, that I am the Lord. They will be my people, and I will be their God." Jeremiah 24:6-7
Bryce was a great fisherman--walleyes, northern pike, and crappies feared him--but he was an even greater fisher-of-men, women , and young people. He'd cast out his love, kindness, thoughtfulness, and generosity--and everyone he met would latch onto that bait and never let go.
Logan's scripture reading from Bryce's funeral: Psalm 121 "I lift my eyes to the hills--from where will my help come? My help comes from the Lord, who made heaven and earth." That is from one of our favorite songs "Praise You In The Storm" by Casting Crowns.
Your heart has proved to be brave and true.
A warrior so gallant, courageous and strong,
He is wise beyond years, though this knight be so young,
Sir Bryce wakes to battle and fights valiantly 'til nigh,
Slaying dragons that circle on land and in sky,
He is clad with thick armor 'tis weightless as air,
His sword is our love and his shield is our prayer,
No dragon shall defeat our noble Sir Bryce,
For he is carried forth always by our Lord Jesus Christ.
We've met many new faces on our son's journey with cancer. We feel the pain of many family's who also struggle with cancer or another life-threatening disease. Please say a prayer for all the little people on 3 Francis of St. Mary's Hospital. Pray for God's healing touch for each one of these children. Pray for strength for each of their family's. And, pray for those who have not yet placed their child in God's hands, to do so. They need to give Him all of the control. With God, we have everything. Without Him, we have nothing. Please continue to send out prayers for all those fighting their battles, like Will, Kristin, Kristina, Griffin, Jackson, Isaac, Melanie, Signe, Teagon, Ella, Rachel, Wes, Paul, Heidi, Ethan, Joe, Jamie, Nikki, Brock, Sierra, Ellen, Austin, Kat, Audrey, Barbara, Josh, Rian, & Alyssa. Pray for strength for all of the family's who have lost a loved one to cancer or another disease. These people are all so special to us!!! Give them strength, Lord, and give them peace within.
Take Care & God Bless~
The Breu Crew
Tim & Susie Breuer, Mitchell, Logan, ~Bryce~, Joel, & Ethan
HAPPY 13th BIRTHDAY, MITCHELL!!! What a wonderful day it was 13 years ago and still is... I always say that we came into parenting without a clue and YOU broke us in! You continue to break us in now with 7th grade and the independence it brings. We are so grateful to God that you were chosen by Him to be our 1st born son of 5... You are 1 of my 5 'everyday heroes'. You inspire me to be a better mom... We love you so much, Mitch!
Good Afternoon,
Well, another week has come and gone. Joel said the other day, "Time goes so fast." It really does, until you are doing something you'd rather not be doing, right? That could mean work, exercise, cleaning, loss, etc. When Bryce died--how do I say this without making people worry???--we began to look forward to the day we would arrive in heaven. Now, we still are anxious for that day, but wait with patience because we know that the Lord must first complete His plan with us on earth. Some days are so much harder than others. Some days fly by. Today--Mitchell's birthday--and the past few days have been up and down emotionally. This week, Thanksgiving without Bryce, we will be up and down with our emotions. I am seriously considering setting a place for Bryce at the table--food and all. He loved the Thanksgiving feast, and he LOVED helping us prepare and cook the organic turkey last year!!! It was one of his many specialties... He always knew exactly how much seasoning to sprinkle. And, it always tasted soooooo delicious. He was very proud of that! He always remembered to baste the turkey every so often. He would put on his Chef's hat and apron before every basting session. He couldn't stay out of the kitchen. He was so enticed by cooking the turkey meal. He put all of his energy into it. And, he would rave about the smells!!! This year, Logan and Joel will step up to the plate to carry on Bryce's legacy in the kitchen. And, they will enjoy every minute of it. What a blessing it has been to have them in the kitchen with me lately. Mitch even got in there last night. Ethan has ALWAYS loved touching every one else's food...lol. In fact, that 'touching of food' would test Bryce's patience! Oh, the memories.............. We miss him so much...
So,...do me, Bryce, and the Good Lord a favor this Thanksgiving week...
**Slow down.
**Hug your children more.
**Cook with your kids.
**Let them do things in the kitchen that you normally wouldn't allow them to do.
**Tell them how thankful you are for them.
**Thank God for your children in front of them.
**And, share with them how important it is to GIVE GOD ALL THE GLORY!!!
**Then, surprise someone with something nice. It could be a card filled with prayers for them. It could be a surprise cup of coffee. It could be a phone call. It could be a visit. It could be a hug. It could be a song. You don't even need to "announce" to them that you have done so...Just do it! Ask God for His guidance. My outlook on life has changed dramatically! Please look at life as a PRECIOUS GIFT, and I mean PRECIOUS!!! And then, look at your life and how you can live it--everyday--for your future which is eternal life in God's presence, walking with Jesus...just like our Brycer and his many heavenly friends...
We love you, buddy.
You're my guy...
HAPPY THANKSGIVING TO ALL OF YOU!!! May this next scripture give you peace in your heart and trust in the Lord...
"I will build them up and not tear them down; I will plant them and not uproot them. I will give them a heart to know me, that I am the Lord. They will be my people, and I will be their God." Jeremiah 24:6-7
Bryce was a great fisherman--walleyes, northern pike, and crappies feared him--but he was an even greater fisher-of-men, women , and young people. He'd cast out his love, kindness, thoughtfulness, and generosity--and everyone he met would latch onto that bait and never let go.
Logan's scripture reading from Bryce's funeral: Psalm 121 "I lift my eyes to the hills--from where will my help come? My help comes from the Lord, who made heaven and earth." That is from one of our favorite songs "Praise You In The Storm" by Casting Crowns.
Your heart has proved to be brave and true.
A warrior so gallant, courageous and strong,
He is wise beyond years, though this knight be so young,
Sir Bryce wakes to battle and fights valiantly 'til nigh,
Slaying dragons that circle on land and in sky,
He is clad with thick armor 'tis weightless as air,
His sword is our love and his shield is our prayer,
No dragon shall defeat our noble Sir Bryce,
For he is carried forth always by our Lord Jesus Christ.
We've met many new faces on our son's journey with cancer. We feel the pain of many family's who also struggle with cancer or another life-threatening disease. Please say a prayer for all the little people on 3 Francis of St. Mary's Hospital. Pray for God's healing touch for each one of these children. Pray for strength for each of their family's. And, pray for those who have not yet placed their child in God's hands, to do so. They need to give Him all of the control. With God, we have everything. Without Him, we have nothing. Please continue to send out prayers for all those fighting their battles, like Will, Kristin, Kristina, Griffin, Jackson, Isaac, Melanie, Signe, Teagon, Ella, Rachel, Wes, Paul, Heidi, Ethan, Joe, Jamie, Nikki, Brock, Sierra, Ellen, Austin, Kat, Audrey, Barbara, Josh, Rian, & Alyssa. Pray for strength for all of the family's who have lost a loved one to cancer or another disease. These people are all so special to us!!! Give them strength, Lord, and give them peace within.
Take Care & God Bless~
The Breu Crew
Tim & Susie Breuer, Mitchell, Logan, ~Bryce~, Joel, & Ethan
Good Morning,
Good news... I'm a little more stable today. Sorry if that letter to Bryce bothered anyone. It just needed to be done at least once in my journey of grieving for my son. Just when I think I'm healing a little more, I fall deep in the pits. I have so much more of an understanding of the grief process, now. I have so much more compassion and love for others, now. My faith in the Lord could take me to mountain tops, and I'd love to take you with me! Some days, I do wish I could be the person I was prior to our journey with our son and his battle with cancer... But honestly, I don't want to be that person ever again. Not that I was a bad person or anything, it's just that God has opened my eyes to gift of life...To the gift of forgiveness...To the gift of being a Child of God...To the gift of sacrificial love that is only found through Jesus Christ. Confrontation is not one of my strong points. But, I am learning that Jesus had confrontation. Jesus did speak to those who needed to open their eyes and ears to the Lord before they shipwrecked their lives. I am far from perfect in my walk with Christ... I am especially trying to focus on my parenting skills! God is trying to teach me patience and to embrace every daily gift He gives us.
So, I challenge you... I know that Mr. Bryce Breuer has given all of us the gift of teaching us to live your life by walking by faith, not by sight. He has taught us courage and love for the Lord. He has taught us to complain less and love more. He has taught us COMPASSION!!! Please use these teachings from Bryce today and pass them on to someone in your life, be it a friend, loved one, or stranger. Because truly, these teachings do not come from Bryce Breuer, they truly come from the Lord, the Almighty, the I Am... In your daily struggles, remind yourself to REACH UP, not out. God is sooooo good. Thank you, Bryce for touching so many lives and being exactly the person who God created you to be. You were and still are such a blessing in our lives... Keep the prayers coming for Nikki. Her courage and strength is amazing, also. Pray for all the children of God, big or small, who are fighting their battles...including yourself. We love and appreciate all of you.
Bryce was a great fisherman--walleyes, northern pike, and crappies feared him--but he was an even greater fisher-of-men, women , and young people. He'd cast out his love, kindness, thoughtfulness, and generosity--and everyone he met would latch onto that bait and never let go.
Logan's scripture reading from Bryce's funeral: Psalm 121 "I lift my eyes to the hills--from where will my help come? My help comes from the Lord, who made heaven and earth." That is from one of our favorite songs "Praise You In The Storm" by Casting Crowns.
Your heart has proved to be brave and true.
A warrior so gallant, courageous and strong,
He is wise beyond years, though this knight be so young,
Sir Bryce wakes to battle and fights valiantly 'til nigh,
Slaying dragons that circle on land and in sky,
He is clad with thick armor 'tis weightless as air,
His sword is our love and his shield is our prayer,
No dragon shall defeat our noble Sir Bryce,
For he is carried forth always by our Lord Jesus Christ.
We've met many new faces on our son's journey with cancer. We feel the pain of many family's who also struggle with cancer or another life-threatening disease. Please say a prayer for all the little people on 3 Francis of St. Mary's Hospital. Pray for God's healing touch for each one of these children. Pray for strength for each of their family's. And, pray for those who have not yet placed their child in God's hands, to do so. They need to give Him all of the control. With God, we have everything. Without Him, we have nothing. Please continue to send out prayers for all those fighting their battles, like Will, Kristin, Kristina, Griffin, Jackson, Isaac, Melanie, Signe, Teagon, Ella, Rachel, Wes, Paul, Heidi, Ethan, Joe, Jamie, Nikki, Brock, Sierra, Ellen, Austin, Kat, Audrey, Barbara, Josh, Rian, & Alyssa. Pray for strength for all of the family's who have lost a loved one to cancer or another disease. These people are all so special to us!!! Give them strength, Lord, and give them peace within.
Take Care & God Bless~
The Breu Crew
Tim & Susie Breuer, Mitchell, Logan, ~Bryce~, Joel, & Ethan
Thank you, Jesus, for your sacrificial love and guidance.
I have never done this before but I feel a very strong need to today...
My dear, wonderful Bryce...
My thoughts continue to drift to you non-stop, all day long... I can't help but think about how much I love and miss my little red head who was so very unique in his own way... I miss touching your soft hair and your soft face. I miss seeing your beautiful long lashes and adorable freckles. I soooo badly miss holding your soft, gentle hand and feeling your soft cheek. If only I could still feel your precious kiss that you always gave me on my right cheek. Just one more of your quick smiles, to make me smile, would be so great... And, your glorious giggle and teasing would totally make my day--even if it was because you were grabbing my "love handles" and telling me I "better work on them". I miss you in the kitchen, too. But, thank goodness, Logan is picking up your cooking talents. I'm sure you are guiding him. Dad misses you in the truck, tractor, and combine. He would have had you in the field this weekend stock-chopping. He may try Logan. Mitchell's doing great in the field, I'm sure you are riding with him. You and Mitchell always had fun getting into trouble together! He thinks of you so often... Joel is picking up your coloring and drawing talents. He's doing a great job. He's starting to take it very seriously, just like you did. He has so much respect for you. He has your compassionate heart. Ethan loves hearing how you loved him so much. He loves looking at the pictures of you holding him all the time! He misses you, too. You would be shaking your head at him a lot! He says the funniest, most outrageous things. You would love it.
You were such a blessing to us, each and every day of your short life. It is such a privilege to be your mom... Now it is all memories. My tears flow for you, in your absence, because I am so lonely for you, Brycer. My tears flow for those who have also lost a child or very special person in their lives. My tears flow for those who fight their battles everyday. I wish they didn't have to go through such challenges in life. But, my tears also flow with joy for our heavenly Father who guides us and carries us through our adversities. Through our Father, we grow in faith, hope, and love for the Lord and his majesty that surrounds us. You taught me that... You taught me courage, strength, perseverance, determination, love and an overflowing of compassion for others... You taught me not to complain--although I still do (I continue to work on that!). You taught me to laugh and to live everyday to its fullest. You taught me to never give up and always look to God. You taught me to believe. You taught me bravery...to face life, no matter what is thrown your way. You never wanted anyone to feel sorry for you. You didn't want sympathy. You wanted to be a normal 8-year-old boy. You wanted life, laughter, and love. What an amazing child of God you are... And now, you are with God, in His presence. It is because you could do and handle everything that you went through--pain, suffering, and keeping the faith through your struggles--that gives me the confidence that we can face everyday ever since the day you went to heaven. You, and your brothers, are my inspiration... And, by the grace of God, we will get through this, just as you did while you were here on earth.
The days have been more bearable, lately. It's been 8 1/2 months since you went to heaven. Your dad and I still can't believe it... (I smelled your orange bath towel this morning, it still holds your scent a little...) It's just really hard to know we won't see you or hold you until we arrive at heaven's gates. I do know that God's plan is best...and this was His plan. And with that plan, God will continue to get all the glory. You lived your life with such dignity and grace...just as God wanted you to. I am so very proud of you, Bryce Andrew... Now, I will give the rest of my day to God. Whatever comes my way today, I will embrace as a gift from God. Please keep watching over your brothers... I love you, buddy...
P.S. It's your buddy, Nathan's, birthday today. I know you would have LOVED going to his party. Please stop by and see him today. I know he'd love to get a sign from you. And, I know how you loved birthdays and making the birthday boy or girl feel special...
P.S. (Again) I know that you sent the cat dashing across the road in front of our MK car and Lary's pickup as we met on the road on Saturday morning. I could hear your glorious laughter at the look of terror on my face just after I was smiling and waving at Lary. You didn't get to scare Lary on Halloween so you chose to scare Lary (and myself) that morning...you little stinker!!!
With all of the love and admiration in my heart...
You are my hero...
Love,
Mom
(By Mercy Me) as I hear on the radio, right now...
Word of God speak.
Would you pour down like rain.
Washing my eyes to see your majesty.
To be still and know
That your in this place
Please let me stay and rest in your holyness.
I'm finding myself at a loss for words
and the funny thing is ...it's ok.
Bryce was a great fisherman--walleyes, northern pike, and crappies feared him--but he was an even greater fisher-of-men, women , and young people. He'd cast out his love, kindness, thoughtfulness, and generosity--and everyone he met would latch onto that bait and never let go.
Logan's scripture reading from Bryce's funeral: Psalm 121 "I lift my eyes to the hills--from where will my help come? My help comes from the Lord, who made heaven and earth." That is from one of our favorite songs "Praise You In The Storm" by Casting Crowns.
Your heart has proved to be brave and true.
A warrior so gallant, courageous and strong,
He is wise beyond years, though this knight be so young,
Sir Bryce wakes to battle and fights valiantly 'til nigh,
Slaying dragons that circle on land and in sky,
He is clad with thick armor 'tis weightless as air,
His sword is our love and his shield is our prayer,
No dragon shall defeat our noble Sir Bryce,
For he is carried forth always by our Lord Jesus Christ.
We've met many new faces on our son's journey with cancer. We feel the pain of many family's who also struggle with cancer or another life-threatening disease. Please say a prayer for all the little people on 3 Francis of St. Mary's Hospital. Pray for God's healing touch for each one of these children. Pray for strength for each of their family's. And, pray for those who have not yet placed their child in God's hands, to do so. They need to give Him all of the control. With God, we have everything. Without Him, we have nothing. Please continue to send out prayers for all those fighting their battles, like Will, Kristin, Kristina, Griffin, Jackson, Isaac, Melanie, Signe, Teagon, Ella, Rachel, Wes, Paul, Heidi, Ethan, Joe, Jamie, Nikki, Brock, Sierra, Ellen, Austin, Kat, Audrey, Barbara, Josh, Rian, & Alyssa. Pray for strength for all of the family's who have lost a loved one to cancer or another disease. These people are all so special to us!!! Give them strength, Lord, and give them peace within.
Take Care & God Bless~
The Breu Crew
Tim & Susie Breuer, Mitchell, Logan, ~Bryce~, Joel, & Ethan
We love you and miss you, Bryce Andrew. You're my guy... Mommy and Daddy love you forever and ever and ever... Keep sending us your love and your signs. These are going to be some challenging days, months, and years ahead of us... You, and God, need to keep lifting all of us up until we are strong enough to do so ourselves. We can't wait until the day comes when we can hold you again, in Heaven. See ya soon, Bryce...
PRAISE GOD FOR HIS HEALING FOR BRYCE IN HEAVEN! God's VICTORY is won.
Bryce has already been leaving his signs. I felt Bryce's excitement every time I thought of Logan's birthday before Logan woke up. Then, when Logan came downstairs at 8:30, "Come To Jesus" started playing on the radio right away. Bryce loved to spoil everyone on their birthdays. He loved making sure that everyone felt extremely special, especially on their birthdays. Last night, we were driving home from Great Grandma Buck's and we heard a prayer request on KTIS. It was for a Minneapolis police office who was critically injured while on a chase for a suspect. Logan and I listened carefully and prayed with them. At the end, the officer who was speaking described the injured officer as "6 foot 1 inches, 250 pounds with a smile that never stopped. He has a 2 year old son that he loves so much." Logan looked at me and said, "Mom. That is how Bryce would have been." I knew he meant the height, weight, and smile... I told him thanks. I so appreciate that when the brothers think of Bryce and tell Tim and I about their thoughts. One of our fears is that they will start to forget the memories of their brother who passed away before them... Bryce wanted so badly to live to be as old as his brothers. I wish there was a way we could see him, hold him, and talk to him yet he was still a heavenly being...
On Thursday morning, I woke up at 5:50am. Tim woke up at 6am. When he came downstairs, he told me that the upstairs hallway light blew out. So, we talked about listening for Ethan so he didn't get scared of it being so dark when he woke up. Then, Tim started again, he said, "It blew out on its own... I was grabbing my clothes from the couch, right below the light fixture, and it blew out..." I said, "Wow... You know that was Bryce giving you a sign don't you? Did you say good morning to him?" He said, "I said good morning to him right when I woke up. Those light bulbs rarely blow out on their own. It's usually when you turn them on that they blow out." Wow... It was pretty cool...
Then yesterday morning, I had my 3 songs in a row while I was getting ready: "Brave", "Praise You In The Storm", and "God With Us" which I have been singing since the Mercy Me concert. These 3 songs are my favorite artists: Nicole Nordeman, Casting Crowns, and Mercy Me. It was a good wake up call and reminder to listen to God everyday. So then, yesterday I went to Rochester shopping with my friends and while I was in the bathroom of the restaurant washing my hands thinking about Bryce, I looked in the mirror and I heard loud and clear..."It's not about your suffering. It's about His suffering..." meaning Jesus. Wow... That was one of my biggest wake up calls I've ever had in my life!!! So, then I got home to read my Grief Share email that told me to help others when you are sad for yourself. It spoke about self-pity...(and now "Walk By Faith" plays on the radio reminding me to walk by faith, not by sight...) So, please read it and let it be a commitment for you today, too. I will commit this to my day by God's grace.
"Each one should use whatever gift he has received to serve others, faithfully administering God's grace in its various forms" (1 Peter 4:10).
I wanted to share a memory from last year from our neighbor Bunny who wrote us a note on Halloween. It is totally Bryce. Thanks, Bunny! I needed that so very much!!! You place is the "Hot Spot" every Halloween. I'm sure Bryce was giggling his glorious giggle when his big brothers were scaring you! He loved the pranks just as much as they did!
Hi Guy's It's the Ronningen's. Mitch and Logen sure got us back for all the time's we scared them on halloween! That's paybacks for ya. It was really fun as always to see all of you. We of course missed the other "incredible" I was looking at the picutres from last year, I can still hear and see Bryce standing up to Lary and saying,"I ain't scared of you." Lary replyed, Oh Ya! as he lunged forward at Bryce to scare him. Bryce was not backing down this time, it was almost like he was protecing his brothers. It is one of many great halloween memorys we have. Thanks for stopping in, we look forward to it every year.
Please continue to pray for our friend, Nikki, who is being treated for leukemia, now. She is such a strong young woman! She is stepping up to the plate and gonna hit a HOMERUN! I am so proud of her and her attitude with all of her daily challenges. She inspires so many others to be strong and brave. I am praying for Bryce to hang with her, too. Her webpage is www.caringbridge.org/visit/nikkischaut. She'd love to hear from you. And, praise God for healing many of our precious and dear little friends!!!!!!!!! We love you all so much! And, we miss you!!!!
Camp Jornada is an incredible, amazing, and fabulous foundation for kids with cancer, siblings with cancer, or kids with parents who have cancer. Please check it out and donate in memory of Bryce. They are ALL ABOUT THE KIDS!!! He loved Camp Jornada and driving the golf cart with the counselors! We also have tremendous belief and appreciation in the Make-A-Wish Foundation. If you wish to donate to Make-A-Wish which is another one of Bryce's favorite organizations, you can go to Make-A-Wish. It is their 25 year anniversary this year.
Thank you for your donations to KTIS in memory of Bryce! Here is the link to KTIS Radio 98.5 FM or AM 900. May it get you through your day today, also. You can listen online at KTIS Just click on Listen Online at the left of the page and ENJOY their ministry! May it bless your day as much as it has blessed our family in the last 2 1/2 years!
So he put his arms around him and whispered, "Come with me."
With tear-filled eyes we watched him suffer and fade away
Although we loved him deeply, we could not make him stay.
A golden heart stopped beating, fun loving hands put to rest.
God broke our hearts to prove to us, He only takes the BEST! ~Author Unknown~
Bryce was a great fisherman--walleyes, northern pike, and crappies feared him--but he was an even greater fisher-of-men, women , and young people. He'd cast out his love, kindness, thoughtfulness, and generosity--and everyone he met would latch onto that bait and never let go.
Logan's scripture reading from Bryce's funeral: Psalm 121 "I lift my eyes to the hills--from where will my help come? My help comes from the Lord, who made heaven and earth." That is from one of our favorite songs "Praise You In The Storm" by Casting Crowns.
Your heart has proved to be brave and true.
A warrior so gallant, courageous and strong,
He is wise beyond years, though this knight be so young,
Sir Bryce wakes to battle and fights valiantly 'til nigh,
Slaying dragons that circle on land and in sky,
He is clad with thick armor 'tis weightless as air,
His sword is our love and his shield is our prayer,
No dragon shall defeat our noble Sir Bryce,
For he is carried forth always by our Lord Jesus Christ.
We've met many new faces on our son's journey with cancer. We feel the pain of many family's who also struggle with cancer or another life-threatening disease. Please say a prayer for all the little people on 3 Francis of St. Mary's Hospital. Pray for God's healing touch for each one of these children. Pray for strength for each of their family's. And, pray for those who have not yet placed their child in God's hands, to do so. They need to give Him all of the control. With God, we have everything. Without Him, we have nothing. Please continue to send out prayers for all those fighting their battles, like Will, Kristin, Kristina, Griffin, Jackson, Isaac, Melanie, Signe, Teagon, Ella, Rachel, Wes, Paul, Heidi, Ethan, Joe, Jamie, Nikki, Brock, Sierra, Ellen, Austin, Kat, Audrey, Barbara, Josh, Rian, & Alyssa. Pray for strength for all of the family's who have lost a loved one to cancer or another disease. These people are all so special to us!!! Give them strength, Lord, and give them peace within.
Take Care & God Bless~
The Breu Crew
Tim & Susie Breuer, Mitchell, Logan, ~Bryce~, Joel, & Ethan
We love you and miss you, Bryce Andrew. You're my guy... Mommy and Daddy love you forever and ever and ever... Keep sending us your love and your signs. These are going to be some challenging days, months, and years ahead of us... You, and God, need to keep lifting all of us up until we are strong enough to do so ourselves. We can't wait until the day comes when we can hold you again, in Heaven. See ya soon, Bryce...
PRAISE GOD FOR HIS HEALING FOR BRYCE IN HEAVEN! God's VICTORY is won.
I was reading through Bryce's guest book tonight and read many of the entries from January. You people are so wonderful. You are our brothers and sisters in Christ. What beautiful and faith-filled entries you wrote... I wanted to add one here tonight that really gives us a little glimpse of who Bryce Breuer was...
Dear Susie,
I have to agree with you. I, too, wish everyone could meet Bryce. I feel that meeting Bryce at Emma's Hope was a special highlight in my life. Just a few observations...based only on spending a couple of hours with him.....Bryce is very concerned about his brothers. I saw him watching them as we walked along the route. He made sure they were safely away from the road and reminded them when they needed to slide over. Bryce is so observant. He doesn't miss much, does he? And then.....even though he was a bit on the quiet side that day (who wouldn't have been when there were 200 people honoring him!!).....I could tell he has an amazing sense of humor. He has this little grin.....one of those guys who will say something funny but then not laugh....which makes it even funnier! He has a sparkle in those beautiful eyes, and I consider it a blessing and gift to have spent that afternoon with him and with you and your other boys---Tim included. Just wanted to share those thoughts........With love and hope and strength....and strong, strong prayers.......angie
angie laehn
pepin, wi usa - Friday, January 12, 2007 4:11 PM CST
Thanks, Angie... I am so glad you got to meet our Brycer... I wish everyone could have known him and everything that was within him in his heart, soul, and mind... He was unique. What a servant of Christ. Love you, buddy. You're my guy...
Thursday morning, 11:20 AM:
Good Morning,
Where do the days go?... I've been meaning to update since Monday, sorry. We had a very powerful, faith-filled, full of God's work-in-your-life testimonies week, since my last update. It's amazing how God answers prayers. No, why do I say it is amazing? Sometimes, I can't believe it when I am surprised by God's work... Nothing is impossible with God.
Last Thursday, I dropped the kids off at school. I always drive past Bryce's grave after dropping them off. That morning, there was a ray of sunshine shining through the trees directly onto Bryce's stone showing "Brycer" just as beautiful as can be... His stone was shining brightly as if he was saying "Good Morning, Mom." It was really pretty. Later that morning, I went to the dentist. Long story short, I chose the radio headset over the TV. As I sat in the dental chair with KTIS on, I heard in my head, "I will play "Brave" for you." I remember thinking "OK...I'll wait and listen." I was already tired and a bit weepy from being up late and updating Bryce's page and photo album... Well, the procedure to fix my filling only took about 10-15 minutes and sure enough, 3-5 minutes before they finished, "Brave" began to play!!!!!! I've got a challenge for you... Try to control your tears, sobbing, breathing, snorting...yes, I said snorting--twice...and emotions with tears streaming down to your ears while lying back in a dental chair with your mouth held open and two faces in your face!!! Not a pretty sight. Not at all. But, that's not my point, as funny as it can be now... The point is I HEARD "I WILL PLAY 'BRAVE' FOR YOU" AND 'BRAVE' WAS PLAYED!!!!! Testimonies of God working in my life!!! Not coincidences. Then later in the day, as I reread my journal entry from the night before looking for errors because I am so particular--like my son, Bryce--I had my 3rd sign of the day. As I read, "Come To Jesus", it began to play on the radio that very moment. Not 3 seconds before, not 3 seconds after, at that very moment. Pretty cool...
Next testimony or sign from Bryce... Stacey from Camp Jornada was taking Mitch and Logan to a U of M Gopher's Women's Hockey game last Friday. We were meeting her in Zumbrota. I thought we'd get the boys a sub from Subway to eat before we met Stacey and Jess. They ordered their subs and we were going to pay. The lady said, "It's $10.09." I gave her a $20 bill and looked at the boys and said, "Do either of you have .09 cents?" They both had the look of "No" on their faces when suddenly Logan looks down at the counter and says with a very shocked look on his face, "Here's a dime..." as he picks it up off the counter... The 3 of us looked at each other with a very surprised and awed expression... What are the chances??? That one was crazy!!! But, it was totally Bryce... He would do that!!!
On to Saturday... I got home from my Mary Kay retreat around noon. We did some things around home and left at about 2pm for the Mayo Remembrance Ceremony. I took the boys while Tim was in the field. They had a ceremony and slide show at 3pm at the subway level of the Gonda Building. I was a bit nervous about this, just because... I had sent Bryce's photo via email so it was in the slide show. We brought some of Bryce's memorabilia along to set up at a table in memory of Bryce. Many family's had tables set up of their children who passed on before them. It was very touching. Well, while I was talking to a few people, I noticed a couple who looked familiar to me. I approached them and asked when they were on 3F of St. Mary's Hospital. It turns out that they were there when we were not, February of 2006. We started talking, and we talked for about an hour. What an incredible family!!! Three minutes into our conversation, I asked Lynn why their son, Jack, died. She told me he had seizures from birth until he died. He was 3 1/2 years old and I specifically remember seeing his picture in the slide show and thinking "Wow. What a sweet boy." Now, I think Bryce was telling me, "Mom, this is Jack. He's one of my new friends in heaven." When I heard her say seizures, I immediately thought that Bryce and Jack were bringing us together because we sure didn't meet or even see each other on 3F or any other time. They were from Kansas... So, I told them about Bryce having a major seizure 24 hours before he died. This was the first family I've met with a child with seizures since Bryce died...This was my first Bryce sign. While we were talking, their older son, Alex, walked up to them. I'm serious you guys!!! Little Alex looked more like he could be Bryce Breuer's brother than Bryce Breuer's brothers!!! It was unbelievable!!! I said, "Do you mind if I show you a picture of Bryce when he was healthier looking?" They were also amazed. This was my 2nd sign. I went and got the brothers and introduced them to Alex. A few minutes after we were talking I said to the boys, "Does Alex remind you of anyone?" Joel said without a moments hesitation, "Bryce." Joel and Alex became instant friends, both 2nd graders and lots in common, one being the loss of their brother's. It was so great to watch the 2 of them interact... Well, I said to Clint and Lynn, "Alex looking like Bryce was my 2nd sign, I know that I will get a 3rd sign from Bryce, now." Clint said as he walked up to Bryce's table, "I think I may know what it is." He placed Bryce's John Deere tractor in the palm of his hand and said, "I am a crop farmer and we have all John Deere equipment." !!!!!!!!!!! Can you believe it?!!!! Yes, I can! God is so good! All of these 3 signs happened within about 10-15 minutes. God, Bryce, and Jack brought our family's together!!! What a connection we made... It was hard to say goodbye to them. But, I know that we will stay connected. In fact, Lynn signed the guestbook saying that they believe Jack is also a part of heaven's Welcoming Committee (like I say about Bryce), and that Jack welcomed Bryce to heaven. The great thing is...I just had that thought on Sunday..."Wow. Jack died before Bryce. I bet he welcomed Bryce at heaven's gates." And, then Lynn wrote that... God is so good and soooo watching over all of us... But, I'm not done yet! When we came home from Mayo on Saturday, Tim came in from the field and we were talking about the day and the signs. I started to tell him about the 1st sign of Bryce and Jack when "Brave" started playing on the radio!!! We both started crying!!! We knew he was with us and was sooooo excited for us to know and recognize the signs... Wow... That's all I can say...Wow.
My final sign came on Sunday when I was at a Bridal Show in Cannon Falls. The lady who was next to my table was a florist. I started talking with her and noticed a picture book open to a picture of orange gerber daisies--1st sign. I told her that they were my favorite flower and that I had them in Bryce's memorial garden at home. She asked and I told her about Bryce. She told me that her dad was a pastor and a grief counselor for family's who've lost a child or a loved one--2nd sign. Then, she said, "Did you say your son's name was Bryce?" I told her yes. She said, "That's my brother's name! I thought he was the only Bryce!"--3rd sign within minutes. Bryce is not a name you hear very often. So cool...
Now about an incredible faith-filled night... We were so blessed to be in God's presence at the Mercy Me, Aaron Shust, and Monk & Neagle concert at the Mayo Civic Center in Rochester on Sunday night!!! Wow. Wow. Wow. What an incredible night. God's love filled that auditorium like you couldn't even imagine!!! We ended up purchasing 52 tickets in our group. The VERY BEST part of all was that the children got to be a part of God's work... They stared in awe, they cried, they laughed, and they learned. What a message we all received that night. We heard all of our favorites which are sooooo many! Now that is money well spent. If only we could have more Christian Music Artist concerts in Rochester... I want to thank, first and foremost, our heavenly Father for gathering all of us together in that room that night to give Him all the praise and all the glory...just as it should be! And then, I want to thank everyone who filled our group. It was just as God planned it out to be. Personally, I've already told you that I am really trying to focus on listening to God and His word. But, I am also trying to keep my focus on allowing it all be God's plan, not Susie's plan... That is the only way it should be...
So, as you can see, Brycer gives me signs. God is so good. He also gives other's signs. Like my sister, Julie, who found a pink thermal shirt with lipsticks all over it for me, and then noticed it had 6 orange buttons that totally didn't match! That was Bryce leading her to that shirt for me!!! Thanks, buddy! And Michelle in Pennsylvania who found an article about the birth of a little girl this week born in a car on the freeway--tough and courageous in her tiny, fragile body--who was named Bryce Abigail Naylor! Remember Noelle's last name is Naylor! And finally, Stacey from Camp Jornada, who was reading her book about a little boy named Nick who was very young when he died and yet such a hero. She said she kept thinking about Bryce and hearing Bryce's name and kept thinking about our family. She finally had a conversation with Bryce. Then, she turned to her next page to read and there in the middle of the page of text was the name Bryce!!! God speaks to all of us but are we listening??? Pray everyday that you will hear God speak to you. Then, LISTEN!!! God has a plan for all of us. Are you allowing His plan to work in your life? Give Him all the control. Yes, I miss my 3rd son, Bryce, very very much!!! Especially yesterday again with it being another first without Bryce--Halloween. But, I do know that God will bring goodness through our times of sorrow. I know that Bryce has been "rewarded" early. And, I know GOD GETS ALL THE GLORY!!! As the man sitting behind all of us at the concert shouted..."NICE!" Gotta have humor in life, right? We love and appreciate you more and more and more every day... God's abundant blessings to you and your family's. Please continue to pray for our friend, Nikki, who is being treated for leukemia, now. She is such a strong young woman! She is stepping up to the plate and gonna hit a HOMERUN! I am so proud of her and her attitude with all of her daily challenges. She inspires so many others to be strong and brave. I am praying for Bryce to hang with her, too. Her webpage is www.caringbridge.org/visit/nikkischaut. She'd love to hear from you. And, praise God for healing many of our precious and dear little friends!!!!!!!!! We love you all so much! And, we miss you!!!!
Camp Jornada is an incredible, amazing, and fabulous foundation for kids with cancer, siblings with cancer, or kids with parents who have cancer. Please check it out and donate in memory of Bryce. They are ALL ABOUT THE KIDS!!! He loved Camp Jornada and driving the golf cart with the counselors! We also have tremendous belief and appreciation in the Make-A-Wish Foundation. If you wish to donate to Make-A-Wish which is another one of Bryce's favorite organizations, you can go to Make-A-Wish. It is their 25 year anniversary this year.
Thank you for your donations to KTIS in memory of Bryce! Here is the link to KTIS Radio 98.5 FM or AM 900. May it get you through your day today, also. You can listen online at KTIS Just click on Listen Online at the left of the page and ENJOY their ministry! May it bless your day as much as it has blessed our family in the last 2 1/2 years!
So he put his arms around him and whispered, "Come with me."
With tear-filled eyes we watched him suffer and fade away
Although we loved him deeply, we could not make him stay.
A golden heart stopped beating, fun loving hands put to rest.
God broke our hearts to prove to us, He only takes the BEST! ~Author Unknown~
Bryce was a great fisherman--walleyes, northern pike, and crappies feared him--but he was an even greater fisher-of-men, women , and young people. He'd cast out his love, kindness, thoughtfulness, and generosity--and everyone he met would latch onto that bait and never let go.
Logan's scripture reading from Bryce's funeral: Psalm 121 "I lift my eyes to the hills--from where will my help come? My help comes from the Lord, who made heaven and earth." That is from one of our favorite songs "Praise You In The Storm" by Casting Crowns.
Your heart has proved to be brave and true.
A warrior so gallant, courageous and strong,
He is wise beyond years, though this knight be so young,
Sir Bryce wakes to battle and fights valiantly 'til nigh,
Slaying dragons that circle on land and in sky,
He is clad with thick armor 'tis weightless as air,
His sword is our love and his shield is our prayer,
No dragon shall defeat our noble Sir Bryce,
For he is carried forth always by our Lord Jesus Christ.
We've met many new faces on our son's journey with cancer. We feel the pain of many family's who also struggle with cancer or another life-threatening disease. Please say a prayer for all the little people on 3 Francis of St. Mary's Hospital. Pray for God's healing touch for each one of these children. Pray for strength for each of their family's. And, pray for those who have not yet placed their child in God's hands, to do so. They need to give Him all of the control. With God, we have everything. Without Him, we have nothing. Please continue to send out prayers for all those fighting their battles, like Will, Kristin, Kristina, Griffin, Jackson, Isaac, Melanie, Signe, Teagon, Ella, Rachel, Wes, Paul, Heidi, Ethan, Joe, Jamie, Nikki, Brock, Sierra, Ellen, Austin, Kat, Audrey, Barbara, Josh, Rian, & Alyssa. Pray for strength for all of the family's who have lost a loved one to cancer or another disease. These people are all so special to us!!! Give them strength, Lord, and give them peace within.
Take Care & God Bless~
The Breu Crew
Tim & Susie Breuer, Mitchell, Logan, ~Bryce~, Joel, & Ethan
We love you and miss you, Bryce Andrew. You're my guy... Mommy and Daddy love you forever and ever and ever... Keep sending us your love and your signs. These are going to be some challenging days, months, and years ahead of us... You, and God, need to keep lifting all of us up until we are strong enough to do so ourselves. We can't wait until the day comes when we can hold you again, in Heaven. See ya soon, Bryce...
PRAISE GOD FOR HIS HEALING FOR BRYCE IN HEAVEN! God's VICTORY is won.
My main focus here tonight was to pass on birthday wishes to Shell. I will update more, I hope, tomorrow. I HAVE SOOOO MUCH TO TELL YOU!!! Thanks for always lending a listening ear. Are you still praying for your ears to be open to the Lord? Wait until you hear more testimonies of God's presence and Bryce's presence in our everyday lives since my last update... We love you, Brycer... Thank you for your presence in our lives. Thank you for all of the life lessons that you taught us in your short life on earth. You were such an outstanding servant of God... I am so proud to be your mom. You're my guy... We have only been home from the Mercy Me, Aaron Shust, and Monk & Neagle concert for about 30 minutes...It was INCREDIBLE!!! Now, I need to shut my eyes. Blessings to all. Talk to you soon.
Camp Jornada is an incredible, amazing, and fabulous foundation for kids with cancer, siblings with cancer, or kids with parents who have cancer. Please check it out and donate in memory of Bryce. They are ALL ABOUT THE KIDS!!! He loved Camp Jornada and driving the golf cart with the counselors! We also have tremendous belief and appreciation in the Make-A-Wish Foundation. If you wish to donate to Make-A-Wish which is another one of Bryce's favorite organizations, you can go to Make-A-Wish. It is their 25 year anniversary this year.
Thank you for your donations to KTIS in memory of Bryce! Here is the link to KTIS Radio 98.5 FM or AM 900. May it get you through your day today, also. You can listen online at KTIS Just click on Listen Online at the left of the page and ENJOY their ministry! May it bless your day as much as it has blessed our family in the last 2 1/2 years!
So he put his arms around him and whispered, "Come with me."
With tear-filled eyes we watched him suffer and fade away
Although we loved him deeply, we could not make him stay.
A golden heart stopped beating, fun loving hands put to rest.
God broke our hearts to prove to us, He only takes the BEST! ~Author Unknown~
Bryce was a great fisherman--walleyes, northern pike, and crappies feared him--but he was an even greater fisher-of-men, women , and young people. He'd cast out his love, kindness, thoughtfulness, and generosity--and everyone he met would latch onto that bait and never let go.
Logan's scripture reading from Bryce's funeral: Psalm 121 "I lift my eyes to the hills--from where will my help come? My help comes from the Lord, who made heaven and earth." That is from one of our favorite songs "Praise You In The Storm" by Casting Crowns.
Your heart has proved to be brave and true.
A warrior so gallant, courageous and strong,
He is wise beyond years, though this knight be so young,
Sir Bryce wakes to battle and fights valiantly 'til nigh,
Slaying dragons that circle on land and in sky,
He is clad with thick armor 'tis weightless as air,
His sword is our love and his shield is our prayer,
No dragon shall defeat our noble Sir Bryce,
For he is carried forth always by our Lord Jesus Christ.
We've met many new faces on our son's journey with cancer. We feel the pain of many family's who also struggle with cancer or another life-threatening disease. Please say a prayer for all the little people on 3 Francis of St. Mary's Hospital. Pray for God's healing touch for each one of these children. Pray for strength for each of their family's. And, pray for those who have not yet placed their child in God's hands, to do so. They need to give Him all of the control. With God, we have everything. Without Him, we have nothing. Please continue to send out prayers for all those fighting their battles, like Will, Kristin, Kristina, Griffin, Jackson, Isaac, Melanie, Signe, Teagon, Ella, Rachel, Wes, Paul, Heidi, Ethan, Joe, Jamie, Nikki, Brock, Sierra, Ellen, Austin, Kat, Audrey, Barbara, Josh, Rian, & Alyssa. Pray for strength for all of the family's who have lost a loved one to cancer or another disease. These people are all so special to us!!! Give them strength, Lord, and give them peace within.
Take Care & God Bless~
The Breu Crew
Tim & Susie Breuer, Mitchell, Logan, ~Bryce~, Joel, & Ethan
We love you and miss you, Bryce Andrew. You're my guy... Mommy and Daddy love you forever and ever and ever... Keep sending us your love and your signs. These are going to be some challenging days, months, and years ahead of us... You, and God, need to keep lifting all of us up until we are strong enough to do so ourselves. We can't wait until the day comes when we can hold you again, in Heaven. See ya soon, Bryce...
PRAISE GOD FOR HIS HEALING FOR BRYCE IN HEAVEN! God's VICTORY is won.
You are such a joy in our lives! You brought us so much joy in such a difficult time, and you continue to bring us so much joy in our daily challenges and victories in life. You are a blessing and a gift from God... We love you so much!!!
In case you haven't seen it yet, Bryce's gravestone arrived on the 12th!!! It's exactly as it should be, except missing the "John Deere" on the tractor... They had to shrink the tractor down and with the type of stone we chose, they couldn't engrave it on there. It's amazing how God and Bryce make everything "fall into place"...just as it should be... Note the new pictures in the photo album, too.
What a beautiful fall day in MN... God's beauty surrounds us everywhere. Forgive me for the delay in updates again. Sometimes I just don't have the words. Some days I'm just not in the right state of mind to give you a fulfilling update. I do feel like things have been going better for us for the past couple of weeks. Believe me, "good days" are more than welcomed here... I wish they were all good. I wish we could be extremely happy for our son, the chosen one. But, many days I wake up wishing it was all a very bad dream. I wish I could go back 4 1/2 years to a "normal life" with our 5 boys. I wish cancer never came into our lives... It's been 8 months now since Bryce went to heaven...and we still can't believe it. I just want to have a healthy, happy mind and soul again. I just want to heal in my heart. I know it comes with time but I'm tired of feeling sad that Bryce is no longer physically with us. If only I could hold him one more time... I tried to pretend to hold him this morning but that just doesn't cut it. On Monday, when it was 8 months since Bryce passed away, all 4 of the brothers' gave me signs of missing their brother. Ethan told me twice that day that he missed Brycie and he wished he wasn't dead. Joel drew a very nice picture of Bryce driving a John Deere tractor--red hair and huge smile included. Logan slept with his prayer shawl. Mitchell shed a few tears in a heart-to-heart talk we had that night. He tries so hard not to cry... Please pray for their strength. They love and miss their brother, Bryce, so much and with such compassion and strength in their love and admiration for him. They were all like one in unity. It was beautiful... They still have their unity but it never seems to be the same because our Brycer isn't there. There should be 5... At least they still have each other. I pray for little Tessa who misses her little sister, Noelle. I'm sure she pretends to have her sister there a lot like Ethan does with Bryce. I talk to him a lot, too.
Now, I will ask you to also say some prayers for Cory and Amber Lohman, and their son, Cody from Goodhue. Their almost 2 month old daughter, Anna, died last Thursday the 18th. She was a beautiful little girl with such strength. I went to her funeral yesterday. It was a beautiful service. Bryce has reassured me a few times that he is holding Anna in heaven. He LOVED holding babies!!! It leads me into some of my Bryce signs...
Yesterday morning, I brought Ethan to Tim in the field around 10:15. As I drove down the road a huge, beautiful hawk swooped right in front of my car--like 5 feet in front of my car. Then, as I turned right, it followed me on the right. It flew about 40 feet from my car looking over at me the whole time. I knew it was a sign from Noelle. Less than a mile later as I was going to dial Dave & Tonya's number to tell them, I looked over and saw 4 horses...3 were lying down. I don't know about you but I don't see horses lying on the ground very often! Bryce and Noelle both give "3's" as signs. I knew that was from both of them... Then, as I sat in the church for Anna's funeral, it hit me that Anna had died on Thursday last week. She was the 3rd precious soul who died on a Thursday...and the 3rd funeral that I had been to in the past 8 months--Bryce, Noelle, and Anna. I knew that that was the first official sign from Bryce at that time. Then a few minutes later, as I was thinking about Anna passing away on October 18th, I realized that last Thursday--all day long--I kept hearing in my head that it was a special day. Over and over I heard it was a special day! I kept going to the calendar to see whose birthday it was,...maybe an anniversary or something?! I was worried that I was missing something. If you know me very well, you know that I have a "numbers" talent--let's just say it's a gift from God. I try to think of it as a gift because I don't have many other talents or means of a memory--haha. I can remember birthdays, anniversaries, phone numbers from years ago, etc--but why?! It is a bit annoying at times. Anyway, I finally figured it out that Bryce was telling me that it was "a special day, Mom! Anna has come to heaven!" I knew that that was my 2nd sign from Bryce during Anna's service. At that point, I knew that there would be a third sign in the very near future. Well, we walked out of church and I saw Denise whose daughter, Chelsea, was one of Bryce's classmates, closest friends and cousin. She asked me if I received an email from Chelsea. I said no and she told me that Chelsea loved Bryce's gravestone and told Denise that "Bryce is holding Anna in heaven. He loved holding babies!" I thought maybe that was my third sign. But, I wasn't convinced, I even told Shell and Lana that I wasn't convinced that that was my third sign... So, after having lunch at the church, Lana and I left for home. As I turned on to our road and drove past the 1st neighbor's house, something caught my attention out of the corner of my left eye. There, high in the sky, was an EAGLE!!! I have been (patiently--haha) waiting to see an eagle since Bryce died. The night that Bryce died, 3 people told me that they saw eagles! Instantly, I knew it was my 3rd sign from Bryce!!! Of course, Lana and I were crying!!! She knew how long I had been waiting. Then, we looked up again and were shocked to see a 2nd eagle flying with the 1st!!! **Why on earth were we shocked??? With God, anything is possible.** It was beautiful! It was like they were playing in the sky--swooping and flying so freely! Lana said, "Do you think there will be a 3rd eagle?" Something told me "No." She gasped and said, "That's Bryce and Anna!! That's a sign from them!!" I said, "Yes, it is! And, I saw the hawk this morning that was from Noelle!!!" It was a beautiful moment... Gang,...if you don't believe that God touches your lives in so many different ways, then I am here to tell my story so you can start watching and learning and listening for Him and His word as He works in your life everyday...
Last Friday, I received a call from Dave Clutter at KTIS radio station--my favorite station! He told me he had 2 tickets to the Women of Faith conference in the St. Paul for that night and Saturday. Thanks, Jody! With lots of prayers and by the grace of God, I was able to attend with my friend, Carol. Nyla was there with her family and friends. So, we got to cry with her too at times. It was a beau (OK,...there is Bryce's song "Brave" on the radio now as I'm about to tell you the next sign. The 1st one being Dave calling.) tiful weekend!!! We got to go back stage and meet Nichole Nordeman (my 2nd time meeting her) before the conference. She is the Christian Music Artist who sings "Brave" and "Legacy", both our Bryce songs... She remembered Bryce from her last concert in Minneapolis on April 29, 2006. She remembered dedicating "Brave" to Bryce that night on stage--what a special moment for him and our family!!! I gave her Bryce's prayer card and prayer folder. She asked about the brothers. I asked her to autograph one of Bryce's prayer cards for them. They loved it! Then, when she was on stage that night, her 1st song she sang was "Legacy" and then, "Brave". BEAUTIFUL... As Nichole sang "Brave", I had a rush come over me from my toes up to my head. I realized that Dave Clutter calling me with the tickets was exactly in God's plan. It hit me...This would be the 1st Bryce sign of the weekend. This will make it the 3rd concert I would hear our 'Bryce songs' in almost 3 weeks...Chris Rice ("Come To Jesus" sung at Bryce's funeral by my brother and sister), Nichole Nordeman, and Mercy Me ("I Can Only Imagine", "Homesick", "Word of God Speak", and "Holdfast") which we will be going to this Sunday the 28th in Rochester. Wow... If Dave hadn't called it would have been 2 concerts, but now it is 3 concerts... My 2nd sign came with Nichole's 3rd song, "I Am" in the last verse,
"When life had begun, I was woven and spun
You let the angels dance around the throne
And who can say when, but they'll dance again
When I am free and finally headed home
I will be weak, unable to speak
Still I will call You by name
Creator, Maker, Life Sustainer
Comforter, Healer, my Redeemer
Lord and King, Beginning and the End"
I had heard that song many times but never actually "listened" to the last verse. I told Carol that, and she (kind of) agreed. Well, we went out to the car that night. We had been listening to Nichole on the way to Women of Faith. When I started the car, that very last verse of that very song began to play!!! I said, "Carol, this is the verse!" And she listened and when the song was done she said, "Now I can tell you! I was listening to all of the words as Nichole was singing but when you said that last verse was beautiful, I realized I missed the last verse!" Don't tell me it's a coincidence that the last verse of that very song was playing when we started the car so Carol could hear it... These are signs from God letting me know that He is working in our lives! That was my 2nd sign. My 3rd sign came when Nyla popped over to talk to us at a break on Saturday. She was crying, we were crying...it was one of those moments. She said, "I'm so glad that you didn't come with our group! You were meant to be here with (just) Carol and not a big group!" I knew at that moment that she was completely right. It was all in God's plan... Why do we try to mess with His plan??? I had an "aha moment" about 2 weeks ago. If we all knew God's plan for our lives, we'd only mess it up by trying to change it being the "controlling human beings" that we are. Even if it was a good plan, we'd try to make it happen sooner than His plan. And, if it was a plan that we didn't want, then we'd try to talk Him out of it... Let go and let God.
So, now it's late and I have more to share. I am going to try to share my Bryce and God signs in a shorter version than the previous. Wish me luck! Last Tuesday, I said a good prayer around 9am. I asked Him to open my ears to hear His word--to hear Him speak to me--and, of course, I asked for some Bryce signs. At 10am, I was washing my hands and I heard in my head, "Go to Menard's shopping." I thought, "But I don't need anything?!" Seriously...10 seconds later my cell phone rang and it was Tim. He said, "I'm going to Menard's. Do you need anything? Do you want Ethan to ride with me?" I am almost ashamed to say when I am surprised by signs like these. I had just asked God to open my ears to hear Him speak to me!!! Dah! God answers prayers... That same day, I heard God tell me to go to the Mom's In Touch meeting at church. Well, by golly, wouldn't you know it that that was the day that our boys were in the alphabetical list of children in our school to pray for that day?! Plus, two women that I had thought of that day, I ran into at school!
I have not even told you about the Chris Rice concert and Backstrom Brothers Benefit on October 12th...**Note: This was the day that Bryce's stone arrived. How's that for timing?** The evening was amazing. Chris Rice is such an incredible performer. Connie and Nathan Backstrom had such an awesome and beautiful presentation!!! What faith and strength they have!!! They are amazing, faith-filled, servants of Christ. Wow. You really should check out their web site at www.backstrombrothers.com. Their video and message was outstanding. Their support for Teen Challenge is incredible and so much a part of God's plan for them. You bet we cried when Chris Rice sang "Come To Jesus"... My Brycie Boy flew to Jesus as the angels danced around the throne rejoicing in his complete healing. I really am happy for him. Again, I just wish it wasn't so hard for us here on earth...
If I could ask you to anything besides pray for our healing through Christ and pray for the healing of so many other struggling family's who've lost a loved one or are fighting their own battles...I would ask you to focus on listening to God speak to you. Pray about it everyday, and then listen. A very smart woman gave me a really great quote today, "When we're down to nothing, God is up to something."
Thanks, Tawnia! We must remember to keep our faith and focus on the Lord. I'm terrible at remembering where scriptures are located but I think this one is from Micah 6:8 "Do what is right, speak with kindness, and walk humbly with God." We praise you, Father, for your healing powers that you have poured into our little friends, who are so dear and precious to us, that we have met along our faith-filled journey with Christ. Always remember that everyone has their own "stuff" going on in their lives. Walk On...with Christ. We love and appreciate each and every one of you...AND I TRULY MEAN THAT !!! God bless you all...
Camp Jornada is an incredible, amazing, and fabulous foundation for kids with cancer, siblings with cancer, or kids with parents who have cancer. Please check it out and donate in memory of Bryce. They are ALL ABOUT THE KIDS!!! He loved Camp Jornada and driving the golf cart with the counselors! We also have tremendous belief and appreciation in the Make-A-Wish Foundation. If you wish to donate to Make-A-Wish which is another one of Bryce's favorite organizations, you can go to Make-A-Wish. It is their 25 year anniversary this year.
Thank you for your donations to KTIS in memory of Bryce! Here is the link to KTIS Radio 98.5 FM or AM 900. May it get you through your day today, also. You can listen online at KTIS Just click on Listen Online at the left of the page and ENJOY their ministry! May it bless your day as much as it has blessed our family in the last 2 1/2 years!
So he put his arms around him and whispered, "Come with me."
With tear-filled eyes we watched him suffer and fade away
Although we loved him deeply, we could not make him stay.
A golden heart stopped beating, fun loving hands put to rest.
God broke our hearts to prove to us, He only takes the BEST! ~Author Unknown~
Bryce was a great fisherman--walleyes, northern pike, and crappies feared him--but he was an even greater fisher-of-men, women , and young people. He'd cast out his love, kindness, thoughtfulness, and generosity--and everyone he met would latch onto that bait and never let go.
Logan's scripture reading from Bryce's funeral: Psalm 121 "I lift my eyes to the hills--from where will my help come? My help comes from the Lord, who made heaven and earth." That is from one of our favorite songs "Praise You In The Storm" by Casting Crowns.
Your heart has proved to be brave and true.
A warrior so gallant, courageous and strong,
He is wise beyond years, though this knight be so young,
Sir Bryce wakes to battle and fights valiantly 'til nigh,
Slaying dragons that circle on land and in sky,
He is clad with thick armor 'tis weightless as air,
His sword is our love and his shield is our prayer,
No dragon shall defeat our noble Sir Bryce,
For he is carried forth always by our Lord Jesus Christ.
We've met many new faces on our son's journey with cancer. We feel the pain of many family's who also struggle with cancer or another life-threatening disease. Please say a prayer for all the little people on 3 Francis of St. Mary's Hospital. Pray for God's healing touch for each one of these children. Pray for strength for each of their family's. And, pray for those who have not yet placed their child in God's hands, to do so. They need to give Him all of the control. With God, we have everything. Without Him, we have nothing. Please continue to send out prayers for all those fighting their battles, like Will, Kristin, Kristina, Griffin, Jackson, Isaac, Melanie, Signe, Teagon, Ella, Rachel, Wes, Paul, Heidi, Ethan, Joe, Jamie, Nikki, Brock, Sierra, Ellen, Austin, Kat, Audrey, Barbara, Josh, Rian, & Alyssa. Pray for strength for all of the family's who have lost a loved one to cancer or another disease. These people are all so special to us!!! Give them strength, Lord, and give them peace within.
Take Care & God Bless~
The Breu Crew
Tim & Susie Breuer, Mitchell, Logan, ~Bryce~, Joel, & Ethan
We love you and miss you, Bryce Andrew. You're my guy... Mommy and Daddy love you forever and ever and ever... Keep sending us your love and your signs. These are going to be some challenging days, months, and years ahead of us... You, and God, need to keep lifting all of us up until we are strong enough to do so ourselves. We can't wait until the day comes when we can hold you again, in Heaven. See ya soon, Bryce...
PRAISE GOD FOR HIS HEALING FOR BRYCE IN HEAVEN! God's VICTORY is won.
You are such a joy in our lives! You brought us so much joy in such a difficult time, and you continue to bring us so much joy in our daily challenges and victories in life. You are a blessing and a gift from God... We love you so much!!!
My update will come yet today. The Birthday Boy is in the bathtub and I need to do my reading! I will get new pictures in too. Blessings to you.
Camp Jornada is an incredible, amazing, and fabulous foundation for kids with cancer, siblings with cancer, or kids with parents who have cancer. Please check it out and donate in memory of Bryce. They are ALL ABOUT THE KIDS!!! He loved Camp Jornada and driving the golf cart with the counselors! We also have tremendous belief and appreciation in the Make-A-Wish Foundation. If you wish to donate to Make-A-Wish which is another one of Bryce's favorite organizations, you can go to Make-A-Wish. It is their 25 year anniversary this year.
Thank you for your donations to KTIS in memory of Bryce! Here is the link to KTIS Radio 98.5 FM or AM 900. May it get you through your day today, also. You can listen online at KTIS Just click on Listen Online at the left of the page and ENJOY their ministry! May it bless your day as much as it has blessed our family in the last 2 1/2 years!
So he put his arms around him and whispered, "Come with me."
With tear-filled eyes we watched him suffer and fade away
Although we loved him deeply, we could not make him stay.
A golden heart stopped beating, fun loving hands put to rest.
God broke our hearts to prove to us, He only takes the BEST! ~Author Unknown~
Bryce was a great fisherman--walleyes, northern pike, and crappies feared him--but he was an even greater fisher-of-men, women , and young people. He'd cast out his love, kindness, thoughtfulness, and generosity--and everyone he met would latch onto that bait and never let go.
Logan's scripture reading from Bryce's funeral: Psalm 121 "I lift my eyes to the hills--from where will my help come? My help comes from the Lord, who made heaven and earth." That is from one of our favorite songs "Praise You In The Storm" by Casting Crowns.
Your heart has proved to be brave and true.
A warrior so gallant, courageous and strong,
He is wise beyond years, though this knight be so young,
Sir Bryce wakes to battle and fights valiantly ?til nigh,
Slaying dragons that circle on land and in sky,
He is clad with thick armor??tis weightless as air,
His sword is our love and his shield is our prayer,
No dragon shall defeat our noble Sir Bryce,
For he is carried forth always by our Lord Jesus Christ.
Please pray for all of our family's and friends' strength. We pray for all of you, Bryce Backers, too. We all want to hear about your favorite 'Bryce memories'. So, please leave them in the guest book or send an email. Our dream is to carry on Bryce's legacy forever... I know that Bryce and God are watching over all of us giving us our strength. Bless his Angelic, little heart...he's a busy little Angel boy! We love him so much. Thank you for all that you do for us everyday.
We've met many new faces on our son's journey with cancer. We feel the pain of many family's who also struggle with cancer or another life-threatening disease. Please say a prayer for all the little people on 3 Francis of St. Mary's Hospital. Pray for God's healing touch for each one of these children. Pray for strength for each of their family's. And, pray for those who have not yet placed their child in God's hands, to do so. They need to give Him all of the control. With God, we have everything. Without Him, we have nothing. Please continue to send out prayers for all those fighting their battles, like Noelle, Will, Kristin, Kristina, Griffin, Jackson, Isaac, Melanie, Signe, Teagon, Ella, Rachel, Wes, Paul, Heidi, Ethan, Joe, Jamie, Nikki, Brock, Sierra, Ellen, Austin, Kat, Audrey, Barbara, Josh, Rian, & Alyssa. Pray for strength for all of the family's who have lost a loved one to cancer or another disease. These people are all so special to us!!! Give them strength, Lord, and give them peace within.
Take Care & God Bless~
The Breu Crew
Tim & Susie Breuer, Mitchell, Logan, ~Bryce~, Joel, & Ethan
We love you and miss you, Bryce Andrew. You're my guy... Mommy and Daddy love you forever and ever and ever... Keep sending us your love and your signs. These are going to be some challenging days, months, and years ahead of us... You, and God, need to keep lifting all of us up until we are strong enough to do so ourselves. We can't wait until the day comes when we can hold you again, in Heaven. See ya soon, Bryce...
PRAISE GOD FOR HIS HEALING FOR BRYCE IN HEAVEN! God's VICTORY is won.
Good Afternoon,
I'm not sure if you remember me but I am the long lost writer of this amazing young boy's Caring Bridge page. He is the incredible and awesome Bryce Breuer. I am his mom... Now, do you remember me?
Sorry it has been so long since my last update. This emotional roller coaster ride has kept me a bit preoccupied, along with life in itself. Sometimes I am just not sure what to say... There is so much to say but so much left to be unsaid. I don't know if that makes any sense... Some days are ok, and some days are not. God gave us a beautiful soul to love, tend to, raise, care for and dream with for 8 1/2 years. And now, he has been rewarded with the gift of eternal life in heaven. He is smiling his million-dollar smile at the face of Jesus. Wow. I am so proud of him... Bryce had so much compassion and love to share with us while he was here on earth. Now, he watches over us from heaven. God and Bryce both speak to me. On Sunday, when we were driving to Auntie Manda's 3rd marathon in memory of Bryce, I thought to myself, "Where is Bryce sitting right now in the suburban?" I answered my question with a smile, "He is sitting between Joel and Ethan, behind me." Then, I heard...LOUD AND CLEAR, "Nah Uh! I'm sitting by Nathan!!!" I thought, "Well, ok then! I can't believe I thought otherwise!" We had Bryce's buddy, Nathan, along with us. Of course, Bryce was sitting by Nathan...giggling his glorious laugh...being extremely silly with Nathan and Logan... Of course, he was...
To Angie: Yes, Bryce loved the fall! He loved the fieldwork with his Dad and Grandpa, most of all. I can still see him in his blue rubber boots with his zipper coat and his Spiderman lunch bag. He also loved Halloween. He took it very seriously. The year that he relapsed, he was Spiderman. He loved Spiderman, then. Last year, he wanted to be Batman but I couldn't find a costume that fit him. So, instead, I bought him a Mr. Incredible costume. How fitting was that?! He made an awesome Mr. Incredible!!! He even had the belly to match! Everyone was so great to give him treats that were healthy for him that fit into his organic diet. He was awesome! He didn't care that he didn't get any candy. He just did what he needed to do. What a trooper. Two of my favorite Bryce costumes were when he was a cute little lion, oh-so-adorable, at one year old!! And, when he was Po from Telly Tubbies, I believe he was 3 years old. I remember the year he was a Vikings player in his pads. That was when he was in preschool with Garett. Oh, the memories... Thanks for helping me to reminisce, Angie. By the way, I believe that this year he would have been either a Goodhue Wildcat Wrestler or a farmer, like his Dad... He wanted so much to be healthy again so he could do both of those things. Bless his heart...
Since I last updated, the boys have been enjoying school, sports, friends, Auntie Manda's Twin Cities Marathon in memory of Bryce, and quiet time at home which is precious in itself. Don't get me wrong, it is not always quiet... We are working on our compassion, kindness, and love for each other with lots of reminders and sometimes a whistle blow from mom. We have learned the hard way how precious life is. The boys miss their brother and his silliness and creativeness. Bryce was unique. We had a family meeting last week. There are a lot of emotions that need to be released but that is easier said than done. Joel is very good at talking about his feelings. He still has a lot of guilt about Bryce dying. This is absolutely normal. I've been doing my reading... He knows that it is normal to have feelings of guilt when a sibling dies. He holds onto so many good memories of Bryce. I remember many times when Bryce would go to Joel when he knew he was sad or disappointed. He always tried to make him feel better and make him smile. Bryce didn't always have the patience for Joel so when we saw the compassion he had for Joel, we were always so pleased. Mitch and Logan are hanging in there. They don't talk much about Bryce or show many emotions. Please pray that they can release those emotions occasionally with time. Please pray for all the boys. Ethan has now requested that we have another 'Baby Brycie' because he wants Bryce back so bad. Well, that's not gonna happen and I've explained that to him. He is very good at talking about his feelings of missing Bryce. He will say it out of the blue, totally unexpected. He's a busy boy but such a sweetie.
Tim & I went to little Noelle's funeral last Thursday. What a beautiful day the Lord gave us. We had a 5 hour drive. We needed that time together. It was so great to finally meet Dave & Tonya & Tessa in person. We have a great connection. I spoke with Tonya yesterday. She told me Noelle's number was/is 3... Can you believe that?! I always knew that she and Bryce were connected! Amazing. Please pray for their strength and healing. They have so much ahead of them with the hole in their hearts left behind from their precious Noelle's passing. She was such an amazing child with such an incredible spirit!!! Tonya told me that one of Noelle's signs was a hawk. Well, I hung up with Tonya and hopped in the car for Bible study and what did I see right away but a hawk in a tree... Wow. Thanks, Noelle.
Now I want to share some of my Bryce signs with you... Last week, before Bible study, I was having a really rough morning. I was missing Bryce soooooooo bad. I kept praying for God to give me strength. I kept asking Bryce and God to give me a Bryce sign. If there is one thing in life that I am patient for, it is my Bryce signs. I know that God will bring them at the most perfect moment in God's perfect timing. Well, low and behold, He did it once again!!! While we were saying a prayer, before we started our reading, it came to be my time to pray. I was praying for strength because I was struggling. I was praying for my boys. And suddenly, what do we hear coming from the bathroom radio--which I hadn't heard at all before that!--but Bryce's song "Brave" by Nicole Nordeman!!! I thanked God right then and there! We all cried and cried!!! Bryce was telling me that he was with me... God is so good... Do you recognize and acknowledge the "surprises or signs" He gives you in your life??? He gets all the glory! And then, on Sunday on our drive home from the marathon, it was raining off and on. We were watching rainbows appear and disappear in the sky. Bryce loved rainbows! He always drew the prettiest pictures of rainbows. Well, I couldn't believe it when one rainbow, the final rainbow, was so bright and so full from one side of our suburban to the other side!!! We could see the landscape through the lower ends of the rainbow which I've never seen before... We were directly under its image... NEVER IN MY LIFETIME HAVE I EVER EXPERIENCED SUCH INCREDIBLE, MAJESTIC BEAUTY FROM THE LORD!!!! The rainbow was literally driving with us!!! I can't even describe it... The boys couldn't believe it. And remember, we had Nathan, Bryce's buddy, with us also. I wish we could have taken a picture of the rainbow but I was all out! So, in our amazement and awe, I told the boys how I kept turning up the radio while watching the rainbows because I thought for sure that "Brave" was going to come on. Well, while I was telling them this as we were driving under the rainbow, I turned up the radio again and suddenly the song that my brother and sister sang at Bryce's funeral, "Come To Jesus" started playing!!!!!!! We all started to cry! Ethan has been singing that song lately. The last verse says:
"And with your final heartbeat, kiss the world goodbye. Go in peace and laugh on glory's side. And, fly to Jesus. Fly to Jesus. Fly to Jesus and live. Fly to Jesus. Fly to Jesus. Fly to Jesus and live." That's what Bryce did... He flew to Jesus to live...
Then, I put on my left turn signal, took a left turn and Mitchell says super loud, "Look at that!!!" There...sitting next to the road that we turned on to while taking Nathan home...is a huge, green John Deere combine!!!!!!!!! Yep, that's right... Our 3rd sign from Bryce... NOBODY CAN TELL ME THAT THAT WAS A COINCIDENCE!!! Bryce and God know we need our signs. Bryce was with us that day, and everyday. Again, to God be all the glory... We will be going to the Chris Rice Benefit Concert for the Backstrom Brothers on Friday night. We can hardly wait to hear Chris Rice sing "Come To Jesus"!!! Can you say "waterworks"???? The 3 Backstrom brothers were killed in a car accident 3 years ago today by a drunk driver. So their family has organized this benefit to raise money for Teen Challenge which many of you have probably heard about on KTIS. Teen challenge is helping teens who are using drugs or alcohol come clean. Praise God for good people like the Backstrom's and the Teen Challenge program! Pray for the Backstrom family's strength today and every day...
I want you all to know that although we still have extremely difficult days without Bryce, I have started to remember more good memories of Bryce rather than the last memories of Bryce being so sick. That gives me some peace in my aching heart--yes, it still aches. It will be 8 months since his passing on the 22nd. I still have many nights that I wake up and pray and think... Bryce did so much for so many in his short time on earth. Personally, I want to carry on his legacy for my lifetime. I want to always be caring and giving to others. I want to be strong, courageous and brave beyond years. I want to have his wisdom, strength and love for the Lord. I want to have his faith and his trust in God not knowing what tomorrow may bring... I want the innocence, love, and compassion of a young child who did what he needed to do so he didn't let the Lord down...which he never did. I want the energy and amazing golden heart that always gave a smile to others at any given moment, no matter how rotten he felt, always hoping to make others happy and possibly get a smile in return. He was wise beyond his youth. God made him who he was and he ONLY tried to be himself. You know,...what you see is what you get. And, he gave his all... As Bryce chose "his song" in the back seat of our Mary Kay Grand Prix after his first relapse in the fall of 2005, just 2 short years ago, I too will "Walk By Faith" not by sight. We must trust in the Lord and let him guide our footsteps. It is with Him that we will truly WIN IN THE END...just like Bryce did... Our love and prayers go out to each and every one of you!!! Blessings to you...
Camp Jornada is an incredible, amazing, and fabulous foundation for kids with cancer, siblings with cancer, or kids with parents who have cancer. Please check it out and donate in memory of Bryce. They are ALL ABOUT THE KIDS!!! He loved Camp Jornada and driving the golf cart with the counselors! We also have tremendous belief and appreciation in the Make-A-Wish Foundation. If you wish to donate to Make-A-Wish which is another one of Bryce's favorite organizations, you can go to Make-A-Wish. It is their 25 year anniversary this year.
Thank you for your donations to KTIS in memory of Bryce! Here is the link to KTIS Radio 98.5 FM or AM 900. May it get you through your day today, also. You can listen online at KTIS Just click on Listen Online at the left of the page and ENJOY their ministry! May it bless your day as much as it has blessed our family in the last 2 1/2 years!