September 11, 2012

September 11, 2012 at 10:55AM  My sister Brandy Bell went home to be with the Lord.  She was in a car accident with her family.  Her family is physically fine.  

My sisters Home going Celebration as her husband called it was Saturday at 10:00AM.  Pastor Joe Mandrino said that there were 500 people there.  What a great testament to the kind of person my sister and this family is.  

My heart is shattered.  Brandy leaves behind her loving husband and 3 beautiful children Elijah, Sarah and Caleb.  Please keep them in your prayers.  

 This is a link to the online Obituary.

These are the words that I spoke at the Celebration of Brandy's life.

I have not only been blessed to have Brandy as a sister but also as a best friend.  As kids Brandy and I clashed at times.  Our relationship grew and developed as we got older but it was when she had Elijah and I had Carolina that a relationship grew into what I will cherish in my heart for the rest of my life.  We loved being with each other and raising our kids together.  We always found something fun to do whether it was a zoo trip, the park,  just hanging out at one of our houses or even our trips to the grocery store.  I am not sure how but somehow Brandy could make even the grocery store fun!  We always had all of our own children with us and at times we even had extras.  We were probably quite a site walking down those isles.

When we moved to Louisiana of course the hanging out everyday stopped.  However I thank God for making it possible for me to drive back up and visit so much during these last two years.  Every time I came to Oklahoma except for the few trips that she was not in town the first day or two, Brandy and her kids would be waiting for me at Mom's when we pulled in.  Usually Mom and Brandy would have dinner ready.  Amanda, Brandy, Mom and I would just spend the night catching up and watching our kids pick up where they left off. There were very few days while I was in Oklahoma that Brandy and I were not together.    

I remember my last trip to Oklahoma in July, having a conversation with Brandy about someone that I thought was using her and I had felt that they long ago had used up all of their chances.  I asked her why she kept allowing it.  Her answer was that she wanted to let this person see God's love through her.  At the time I accepted that but I worried.  Now I understand.  The last few days I have spent a little time angry at people who I felt like hurt my sister and then I realized that I can not do that.  Not only is that not what Brandy would of wanted I have realized that at times I was no better and Brandy loved me when I was most unlovable.  She prayed me through times when I know it was difficult to be around me.  A lot of who I am today is because my Sister showed me God through herself.  

I do not understand why God would allow someone who was doing his work and touching so many people in a mighty way to be taken from this earth way too soon.  I asked Chris the other day that if she can see us now how is she not sad in heaven to see us grieving.  Chris said because Brandy sees God's plan. I have faith that God has a plan even in this.  

These posts are from my Project 365 Blog: 

If you are interested in looking back January 6 Brandy and Chris brought their kids to us before they went to Brazil on their survey trip.  

They returned to our house to pick up the kids on January 26.

Brandy and Chris had a missions conference in Dallas this week.  Brandy and the kids were free on Saturday so she met us in Tyler, TX at the zoo and then we went to McDonalds to let the kids play and eat dinner.  March 3

The kids and I spent spring break in Oklahoma with Brandy and family starting March 23.

We were able to go on a very wonderful Florida vacation with them starting May 26

We were back in Oklahoma for 9 days starting June 7 ~ I got to spend my 35th birthday all day with my sisters first as Sarah and Lizzie's birthday party and then back to Amanda's for dinner and cake for my birthday ~ so special.

Then our last trip for 13 days starting June 28

Most all of the pictures are actually of our kids together.  At first this upset me terribly but then I realized that just meant Brandy was most likely right next to me chatting with me when I took the pictures.  

I love you with all of my heart Brandy.