MOUNT HERMON

Greetings from Mount Hermon! I haven't been able to post because of some computer problems, so I am in the Graphics Dept Office using a coworkers computer while Spencer is frantically editing this weeks DVD....shhh, don't tell anyone!
Quick Update:
Got here Sat afternoon, ate dinner with Spencer, attended the concert here on the grounds. The group, Christian Edition, is an amazing men's singing group and I couldn't help but think how much Bruce would have loved hearing them sing! I will post their website soon. I have a funny story about me and the boys meeting Keith, one of the singers, but don't have time right now...Spencer's coworker, Andy, might come back soon!

Sun was the 1st official day of Family Camp. The kid's friends from past years showed up and the fun began for them. The only time I really see my children is very quickly at meal time, at bedtime and when they want money for the fountain...the place to get drinks and snacks!

Luis Pulau and Bill Odelmon (not sure of correct spelling) are the speakers. Bill is sharing on Job and Luis is sharing on Joshua. Job, of course, was one of Bruce's favorite books of the Bible, especially this past year, so it has been extremely difficult but equally encouraging. Luis's message was all about The Promised Land....again, difficult, but so hopeful! More later on that!

We can never really go anywhere for any length of time without an Alexander Adventure....this trip is no exception. On Tues afternoon, Spencer texted me and told me that his gum and wisdom tooth hurt really bad and that he could not open his mouth. So, after numerous phone calls and a referral from the office manager, I took Spencer to Dr Stevens, just 5 minutes away, and within an hour and a half, Spencer was x-rayed, numbed, numbed some more and his tooth was extracted. He moved out of his dorm, into our cozy room, and with lots of ice, ibuprofen, a small dose of vicadin and a little mother's TLC, he rested and recovered for a few days and is back at work. So much for coming to camp and getting a small break from motherhood!! But what a treat for me to have the opportunity to mother my 19 year old....and I think he was kinda glad I was here to take care of him. Now, the real question is, how will this DVD turn out with Spencer on vicadin? I'll keep you posted on that also!

Well, I'm sure Andy will be arriving soon, so I need to end this quickly. Basically, in a nut shell, it has been very sad to be here without Bruce, it has been a joy to see my children having so much fun with their old and new friends, I have been deeply moved by the teachings and the music, I have experienced incredible fellowship with other single parents, I have been graciously received and enveloped by my returning friends and their families and I have been reminded once again that God is good, He is in control, He can be trusted and that He is good....ALWAYS!! It has been a full time here all ready...and we still have another full day on Friday before ending on Saturday morning!

I will do my best to sneak in to the office again and post once more before we have to leave....or before they kick us out!
Love,
MBA
DELIGHT YOURSELF IN THE LORD AND HE WILL GIVE YOU THE DESIRES OF YOUR HEART!

OUR TRIP TO CALIFORNIA

As many of you know, Spencer has been working on the media crew at Mount Hermon in CA since June. This is the Christian Family Camp that our dear friends, Mike and Michelle Ower, introduced us to four years ago. We have made it our family summer vacation for the last 3 years and this will be our 4th year! We drove down to San Jose yesterday (loooong drive) and spent the night with our friends, Bart and Ellen Irick. We are heading out this afternoon to go see Spencer (Sat is his only day off), check in, have a relaxing dinner and concert tonight at Mt Hermon and then officially start our Family Camp time together on Sunday afternoon. We are able to attend this year because of the generous gift from Mt Hermon donors and we are very excited...the kids especially!! Of course, it will be very different and very difficult for us to be there without Bruce, but we are looking forward to seeing and experiencing what new things God has in store for us this year!! I'm looking forward to lots of R&R, being together with all my kiddos and doing whatever it takes to refresh and recharge. The kids are thrilled to see Spencer, reconnect with friends and just play, play, play! Check out the website www.mounthermon.org to see where we will be and what we will be doing. I will try to update the blog while we are there so please check back.
Love,
MBA for THE A TEAM!

REMEMBERING BRUCE ON FATHER'S DAY!

Keeping up with the blog has been harder than I thought. Hopefully, like everything else, it will get easier as time goes on.....

Well, today is another "first" that we are facing and it has been tricky, to say the least. We had plans to be up in Seattle this weekend for a graduation celebration and spend this special day with family....everything is always better with family...but we are home with the flu! Bummer, huh? We have been given another opportunity to be flexible, come up with a plan B and make the best of things in a different way. We've had lots of practice doing all those things and are becoming quite the experts! It's not always easy or fun, but we do it! So, watching Disney, lounging around all day, being together, looking out for one another and remembering "Daddy" is our day...not bad!

I wanted to share something the kids did for Bruce's 50th Birthday Celebration last August. It is very precious to me and a great way to celebrate Bruce today...and every day!

HAPPY FATHER'S DAY!

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

Bruce's Celebration of Life in Pictures

Bruce's Memorial 020, originally uploaded by carolfoasia.

Thanks Melinda for posting your thoughts and impressions! Here are some pictures to go along with them:

Bruce's Celebration of Life

I went ahead and put comments under many of the pictures so that you might know who's who.

PRAISE! Praise!

This is Melinda writing without MBA's permission... I just had to say something about today's Celebration of Bruce's life at LaSells Stewart Center. My husband was moved to tears before the event even started when he looked back and saw what looked to be every seat occupied, and people sitting in the upper balcony. What a testimony of what Bruce meant to others! At the end, Duane said it was the best and most meaningful memorial he had ever been to.

It was, once again, a God moment. Very, very powerful; the displays, the refreshment and standing tables, the order of the program, the music, the video tribute -- seeing and hearing Bruce laugh hard was awesome! -- Spencer's essay about his Superman dad, the special song about Bruce, the speakers -- Oh my gosh! The speakers were fabulous, especially Mikaela! -- the account of God's strong presence in Bruce's hospital room, the football chant, and the mingling in the lobby with those who love Bruce was so very special.

I am sure pictures will soon be added to the blog. Let us rejoice with Bruce in singing hallelujah and praise to the King of kings and Lord of lords.

~Melinda

Directions to LaSells Stewart Center and Closest Hotel

Here is a link to a map of the OSU campus and also driving directions to it for those of you coming from out of town.

Click Here: LaSells Stewart Center Directions

Most of the parking lots around the Center are pay lots at $1 per hour. The lot right across the street from LaSells can be accessed via Western Blvd. There are two pay stations in the lot. The nice lady at the LaSells Stewart Center asked me to tell you that the one on the south end, closest to Western Blvd. takes credit cards, paper money, and coins. The one on the north end closest to Reser Stadium will take credit cards but is not too happy with cash or coins, even though it says it takes all three!

HOTEL CLOSEST TO LASELLS STEWART CENTER

The Hilton Garden Inn (click for website), located on the south side of Western Blvd and 26th, is across the street from LaSells Stewart Center. Non-guests of the hotel are asked by OSU to be good neighbors and NOT use the Hilton Garden Inn parking lot while attending the memorial service.

CELEBRATION OF LIFE

More information will be posted later but I wanted to get the day and time of Bruce's celebration service so friends and family can plan accordingly:

MONDAY, APRIL 28th AT 1:00 pm AT THE LA SELLS STEWART CENTER IN CORVALLIS.

The Alexander Family has been so loved these last 18 months and continues to be!
We are blessed and sustained daily by your prayers, compassion, acts of kindness and words of encouragement!

THANK YOU FROM THE A TEAM!!

"BLESSED BE THE NAME OF THE LORD"

Good & Faithful Servant...

Hello dear friends. This morning at about 6:20, Bruce passed on to truly a better life with Christ. He was VERY peaceful when he left us. Some family was with him. Mary Beth has tremendous peace. The whole family (including Charlie the dog!) had a very precious and special time with Bruce last night.

There are so many God-things to share; His timing is absolutely perfect. Lives have been deeply touched, including the nurses who worked with Bruce. Praises and thanksgiving are lifted up to the One, true God of Love.

The 'A' team has need for family time; they send their love to all. Thank you for caring deeply.

Melinda

A Good Night

Bruce had a shift of people throughout the night. His pain is managed well with high doses that make him unable to communicate. He still has hiccups though.

Mary Beth's brothers gave him a good shave last night. The night nurse was so impressed that his brother-in-laws would do something like that and show such loving care. She said, "Bruce must be great guy!" I was able to tell her a hearty "YES!" to that and told her about the wonderful gathering we had for Bruce in February. He is so loved, and he is a great guy!

Mary Beth came in this morning with coffee in hand. She looked well-rested after a night at home and "pretty in pink" even down to the Pink Converse All-Stars.

She will be talking to Dr. Neville this morning about easing up on pain medications so that Bruce might gain more lucidity. Please pray for wisdom.

Carol