Dear Prayer Warriors,

Last night family and friends gathered not to mourn but to celebrate the one-year anniversary of Kevin's "Heaven Day." We laughed, gnoshed, listened to Shelagh's latest song which she wrote and recorded in Nashville last week, and even watched a bit of American Idol.

It was like any other evening Kevin would have spent with friends and family.

Host Betsy Kingma reminded us that our gathering was not to relive Kevin's death--we've done plenty of that--but to celebrate his new life, in heaven with Jesus, living out his ultimate purpose to live with God forever, where there are no tears, no mourning, no suffering and certainly no head injuries.

We passed around an email from our friend Kristy Link, who wrote, "Although I didn't know Kevin well, I think of the impact of his life and find myself deeply inspired to live every second for the One whom I was created by and made for, the One I will stand before face-to-face and give an account of my life, the One who has rescued me, saved me, opened my eyes, forgiven me and loved me."

And from Maura Miller, who has lost both her mother and brother, "...talk about your memories of that day and the days leading up to it and following it. It may sound strange, but reliving it with the people that shared it right there with you helps you to heal, if that’s really ever possible."

These kinds of emails, letters and phone calls have made this one-year mark both poignant and bearable. Perhaps you might take a moment to sign into the guestbook and offer an observation, a reminiscence or an encouragement not only for our family but for all the others who loved Kevin, too.

Blessings to you this day.

The Brown Family