tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18950992.post127658635199167518..comments2009-01-08T00:55:27.607-05:00Keith Schooleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06328169815024415532noreply@blogger.comBlogger5125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18950992.post-7945059807519225962009-01-08T00:55:00.000-05:002009-01-08T00:55:00.000-05:00Dear Lynn,<BR/><BR/>How wonderful of you to stop by! Thank you for such moving words about Alan. One of my great regrets is that I wasn't around to be a part of the lives of the young people in Brimley as they grew up. I miss many people there, and you and Chris and your wonderful family are among the top of that list. I know that this has been a tremendously difficult year for you. Please know that you're in my thoughts and prayers. Cecile and I love you guys very much.<BR/><BR/>Jen and Susanne, <BR/><BR/>Thank you both for stopping by and sharing your thoughts about Alan. God bless.Keith Schooleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04078256877683382439noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18950992.post-48989602756628878292009-01-07T21:26:00.000-05:002009-01-07T21:26:00.000-05:00I loved Alan from the first time I met him. He was kind, caring and full of life and fun. He and his sister , Emily were cousins to our sons, Brent and Nick.We had good times together at family gatherings. He and Tiffany were a great match and little Andersen was a perfect "addition".We are grateful for having Alan in our lives. May he rest in peace with Jesus.<BR/>Aunt SusieSusannehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17026638140958894554noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18950992.post-67268121554678452362009-01-07T12:28:00.000-05:002009-01-07T12:28:00.000-05:00Hi Keith,<BR/>Thank you so much for your tribute to our son, Alan. We never knew we could miss someone so much. There is a gigantic void where he once lived. We feel that void in our hearts and souls greatly. We do know where he lives now. He is safely in the arms of our loving Heavenly Father. One day we will be reunited with him. We await that day with great anticipation. Meanwhile we have work to do here for the Lord. <BR/>Our minds cannot comprehend God's plans. God's ways are not our ways and His thoughts are not our thoughts. God knew Alan's outcome before he was born. While Alan grew in my womb He knew when Alan would be coming home to Him. <BR/>I remember asking God to spare Alan's life when he was first diagnosed with chronic granulomatious disease.....Alan was 7. I asked the Lord that if he saw fit for Alan to stay with us for awhile, his life would be lived for His Glory...otherwise take Alan to heaven now and he would suffer no more. God already knew that we would be blessed with Alan for 27 years,that he would be diagnosed at the age of 7, that he would be married 2.7 years to a beautiful girl...soul mates, and that he would give us our first grandson, Andersen Ross.<BR/>In between the lines of his life was his being touching people in such ways that we were not aware of. Alan's life was a testimony to the Glory of the Lord. I am forever grateful that my son was saved, and I know that I know that I know....that Alan lives in heaven.<BR/>Forever in Christ,<BR/>Lynn GilliesLynn Gilliesnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18950992.post-15091451834334003792008-10-15T09:31:00.000-04:002008-10-15T09:31:00.000-04:00Greetings--<BR/>Thank you for this tribute--I had the ability to get to know Alan through working with him in South Dakota--and I too was touched by the fact that he was very solid, in complete love with his then fiance (and wife) and truly a follower of our Savior, Jesus Christ. I only got to know him for a short time, but that times was blessed with his ability to laugh through any situation and quiet (but strong) leadership.<BR/><BR/>May our Lord continue to bless you has your grieve. Thanks for sharing your heart in this.Jen (with Harry &amp; Nathanael)http://www.blogger.com/profile/05812340396707933934noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18950992.post-20009859800741724872008-09-12T02:03:00.000-04:002008-09-12T02:03:00.000-04:00I'm sorry for your loss. There is always a huge difference between funerals/memorial services where the person who died was devoted to God and one where the person was not. It is also marked by the faith in the family. I guess that is because it is easier to say "til next we meet" than a final goodbye.Jc_Freak:http://www.blogger.com/profile/14780031497091443526noreply@blogger.com