Keaton's Candles

Alicia Root wrote this on Facebook:

Keaton's Candle started as a memorial for my baby, Keaton Joshua Root. He died due to Hellp Syndrome on July 27, 2006, and I needed something to do for him on the day of his death a year later. As I went through the grief process, I realized I was not alone and that this happens a lot, no warning, no cure.

Keaton's Candle is more than a memorial for me now. It is a memorial to all of lost babies. It is a prayer for all expecting mothers that they will deliver a healthy baby through a safe pregnancy. It is a prayer for a warning, a cure for the unexplainable deaths that happen daily to mothers. New this year is that there will be candles lit in praise to God for babies born safe and healthy.

Keaton's Candle started because I needed something else to think about than Keaton or myself and now I think of all of my friends and others I do not know. I think of my dear friends who are about to give birth. I worry about them CONSTANTLY. I think of mothers who know my pain and I pray that God eases their pain and I pray they know He is with them every moment.

This July 26, 2009 will not just be the day before the 3rd year anniversary of the death of my son. I will not be plagued with thoughts about how my son is supposed to be 3.

It will be Keaton's Candle.

I will be thinking of all the mothers out there I have yet to hug and new babies I have yet to hold. My thoughts and my heart will be with those who have lost and those who are expecting.

If you or someone you know is pregnant or has lost a baby, please message me with the name or child's name so that I can light a candle for them. It would be an honor to remember them at Keaton's Candle.

If you would like to join me, my family and friends, I would be honored with your presence:

Davis Park Church of Christ
901 W. Rumble Rd
Modesto, Ca 95355

Sunday, July 26th at 4pm

Grief . . .

This past month has been a month of grief. Howver I would say in the midst of it al it was good grief. All of those who passed were saints and went on to their reward. Kirk Lindsey, Walter Leonard and Bonnie Chism each made a significant impact on my life. Kirk a world class christian businessman, Walter a world class warrior for God and Bonnie a world class mother and mother-in-law. All three have left deep voids that need to be filled and all three will be greatly missed in my life. To all three I congratulate you on a job well done. Enjoy your new eternal home.

Walter Leonard passed away . . . . . .

My fellow christ warrior Walter Leonard passed away on Friday. Grief has set in and the reality that I have said my earthly good-bye to him is near. On Wednesday we will have a congregational good-bye for Walter. Forty years of minitry, numerous congregations planted, hundreds if not more new Christians baptised and nurtured. Walter will be missed.

New Babe in Christ . . . . Old Friend passing away

Ministry is a lot like a rodeo. The bull comes out of the gate and you do not know which way its going to jump twist or turn. My good friend Kirk Lindsey is in his final hours of life as we write this. He has lived a full life, but is still quite young by many standards,but cancer has defeated yet another strong person. He and his family have bravely fought the fight, now it it a time to celebrate and remember the blessings he passed out along the way. More on Kirk in a later post.
Last night I had the blessing of baptising Barbara E. what a blessing she will be to our congregation. I was blessed talking with her and discussing her life and teaching her about her new life in Christ.

Rejoice! and again I say rejoice!

Buddy

Texas Fuenral

Just beginning to get over a three day jaunt to TX. A friend from high school mother passed away and she asked me to fly in and do the funeral. It was great to be allowed to work with the family for a few days and reaquaint with Karole Kieth. Krole was a part of our infamous championship swim team at Brazoswood High School in the 1970's. Karole did a great job of honoring her mother with the service we were a part of. My hope is that Jesus was seen in the midst of the grief.

Wildfires in Santa Barbara.

Pray for the folks in SB. There are many lives turning upside down as we speak. DRT is working on a response as we speak.

Swine Flu Post # 2

So far the swine flu is creating a large buzz but not having a lot of bite. It appears according to many sources that it is a mild viral diease. We will wait and see. Our local popualtion is about 40% hispanic many of which travel to from Mexico frequently. We will have to wait and see what happens as the virus hits the general population as to what kinda of emergency develops and what kind of response is needed. Pray for God to mitigate this outbreak and let it not be much of a problem.