IT'S BEEN AWHILE

Yes, it has been awhile since I've posted something on the blog. I often think of writing something, I go to the computer and.....that's about it. I'm not quite sure what to write...but, mostly, it has been too difficult for me. It dawned on me this evening, the best thing I could do is just let you know a bit of what is on my heart...that is what I've always done and that is what keeps us connected. If I have ever had the need to stay connected, even in a small way, it is now....I'm thinking that might be the same for some of you, right?

All the cards, letters, blog comments, surprises and financial gifts over the last 4 weeks have been overwhelming and amazing and have blessed me and the children in so many ways. Thank you to each and everyone of you for the tangible touch of God's love and faithfulness to us.

We have had many big events since Bruce's passing (still haven't gotten used to saying that): our 22nd Anniversay, Mikaela's 18th, Isaac's 14th and MB's 4?th. We were very sad not to have Bruce with us, but at the same time we were happy to be together, remembering Bruce all the time, making the days extra special and continuing to make memories.

We have other big events coming up in the next few weeks: Spencer goes to CA on June 6th for a summer media job with Mount Hermon, Pearce's 12th is on the 7th, Mikaela's graduation is on the 9th and then Father's Day on the 15th. These will be more opportunities for us to celebrate Bruce and each other in the midst of our grief and loss. Please remember us in your prayers.


Every day is different....not sure what to expect..never sure of when certain emotions will flood in and flow out. Some days are good, some not so good....but mostly good. Some days are too busy and zip by too fast, some are too slow and drag on endlessly...but mostly they are always 24 hours. Some days I like how things are going, some days I want things how they used to be...mostly I just like that I have a new day.
We are learning what it means to go forward as a family even though we do not quite feel like a complete family...everything is different in a weird kinda way. The things that used to work for us or help us are just not working the same anymore. Thank you for understanding and being patient with us as we deal with lots of uncertainty.
There is one thing I am certain of, though, and that is: "God is near"; that "surely goodness and kindness will follow me (us) all the days of my (our) life"; "in His presence is fullness of joy" and He will "uphold me (us) in His righteous right hand"...I know, that is more than one thing, but that is what I know to be true! That is how I know we are making it! That is how I know we will make it!!

I'm sure that each of you is feeling a loss or a void with Bruce gone. Please know that I am praying that God will comfort you as He is comforting us and that in the midst of your sorrow you will find hope and great joy as you think upon heavenly things...and that now includes Bruce!

I do hope to post more frequently, so please keep checking in with the A Team Blog!
We are so loved....and we so love you!
MBA :)
~LOVE ALWAYS WINS~

BIRTHDAY Girl!

Happy Birthday greetings go to Mary Beth today...

This young pup loves to pamper others; she looks for ways to be a giver of God's love. She can give so freely because she has tasted the fruit of others giving to her (& her family).

God is good. He has blessed MaryBeth with a very loving family, and every one of them have such a great sense of humor! MaryBeth loves bringing joy and laughter to people.

Along with MBA's humor is a genuine deepness for things in life that really matter, such things as knowing God and living completely for Him.

If you have some thoughts to share about Mary Beth, I encourage you to send them to her, so that you may be part of God's blessing on her today.

~Melinda

A Bruce story - "Washing My Wheels"

MBA's brother Mike shared a Bruce story that belongs on the blog...

The weekend before Bruce entered the hospital, brothers Matt and Mike came down to organize the Alexanders' garage. While doing this task, Mike had a strong desire to serve Bruce in a special way; he wanted to wash Bruce's feet. He shared this desire with MBA, who said there would be time for him to do this before the two brothers left for WA. As life typically is in the Alexander home, a lot goes on and it turned out Mike would have to wait for another day to carry out his service to Bruce.

The day Matt and Mike said goodbye, Mike asked, "Where is Bruce?" They found him outside washing Mike's tires with a brush! Mike immediately asked MaryBeth if she had said anything to Bruce about him wanting to wash Bruce's feet. She hadn't said a word.

When Mike asked Bruce what he was doing Bruce said, "You have new tires; they should have washed the wheels for you. I will wash them for you."

As hard as Mike tried to keep Bruce from washing the tires, then tried to join Bruce in washing them, Bruce insisted he wash Mike's tires alone... Can you imagine Mike's astonishment in this selfless act by Bruce? This happened two days before Bruce entered the hospital for the last time... Wow!

Mike did get to wash Bruce's feet, though, the night before Bruce passed away. He told Bruce, "You can't get away from me now, Brother. I'm gonna wash your wheels." What a precious memory for him to hold.

Blessings in abundance.
~Melinda

Mikaela is 18 years old TODAY!

There are a number of "Firsts" the family must face without Bruce, and Mary Beth asks us to pray for STRENGTH, as they celebrate each special day together. The following dates are worth noting.

5/3/08 - Bruce & MBA's 22nd anniversary;
5/7/08 - Mikaela's 18th birthday;
5/17 - Isaac's birthday;
6/7 - Pearce's birthday;
6/15/08 - Father's Day...

This Saturday Mary Beth and Mikaela will be speaking at sister Marcie's church during a Spiritual Transformation Seminar. MBA and two Arbonne friends will be pampering the women in attendance, and Mikaela gets to share from Colossians 3:1-17 on what it means to have a changed (transformed) life. Please pray that God's love exudes from them.

Spencer gets to work on the video crew at Mt. Hermon for the summer and leaves the beginning of June. This is a GREAT opportunity for him.

Feel free to encourage the family via comments on the blog, email or snail mail. :)

Address: 5938 SW Amberwood Avenue, Corvallis, OR 97333

Email: mb.alexander@comcast.net

Blessings,
Melinda

Bruce's Obituary and Alexander Family Memorial Fund

Bruce's obituary is on the McHenry Funeral Home Site if you are interested in reading it and leaving a message for the family.

Click here: McHenry Funeral Home

Also, many have asked about how to make donations to the family.

These can be made out to the Bruce Alexander Family Memorial Fund at:

Central Willamette Community Credit Union

555 NE Circle Blvd.

Corvallis, OR 97330

Please specify “donation account” in the memo field of the check.

Slide Show...

Mark Worden provided a website for anyone to see the 15 minute slide show that was shown at Bruce's Celebration of Life at LaSells Stewart Center. Great memories...

http://web.mac.com/wordenmark/Marks_site/Bruce_Alexander_Slide_Show.html

~Melinda