In Memory of Justin Wayne Brown

There are some things that you do in life with certain intentions. And our intention this year was to remember Justin in a special way. It has been 8 years since this past Sunday, October 22nd, that Justin was killed in a car accident. We decided that we wanted to do something special in memory of Justin to try and help Gavin understand how important Justin and his memory are to our family. And since he is 3, we thought he would be able to understand better this year.

We decided that we would provide the flowers in the front of our church in Justin's memory. And not knowing what to do with them afterwards, we decided to make up 12 small bouquets and take them to Montreat Apartments, an assisted living home. I thought it would be so good to put a smile on the faces of the people who live there and it would be a good lesson in giving for Gavin. Afterall, these were hurting people and they could use some cheering up.

So these were our intentions. But, sometimes our intentions and God's intentions are not one and the same. I was not prepared for the impact it would have on ME!

On the way to the apartments, Gavin and I had a conversation that went something like this.
Me: Gavin, do you know where we are going?
Gavin: No
Me: We are going to take flowers to some people to make them happy. They don't have alot of family like you and daddy and me, so we need to make them happy. And flowers make people happy.
Gavin: Okay (excitedly)
Me: We are going to do it in memory of Uncle Justin.
Gavin: Your brother?? We are going to take flowers to Justin to make him happy?
Me: Well, not exactly. Justin is in Heaven which is the HAPPIEST place that we can be.
Gavin: I want to go there!!! (with GREAT excitement)
Me: I want you to go there too! And you will one day after you ask Jesus to come into our heart.
Gavin: I want Jesus in my heart already!

Wow, the mind and heart of a 3 year old! What if we could all have that enthusiasm of wanting Jesus in our hearts and going to heaven! Sometimes it is so easy to get wrapped up in the hustle and bustle of our everyday lives that we take for granted what is waiting for us after our lives here on earth are over. How wonderful to be reminded by a conversation with a three year old!

So, we were on our way. Once we got there, we started giving out the flowers and I would ask Gavin to tell them who we were giving them in memory of and he would say "JUSTIN!" excitedly.

Everything was going along just fine until we got to this one ladies door. I told Gavin to give her his flowers and he said "No, these are for Justin. I want to go up to see him." Not wanting to create a scene, I just gave her some in my hands and after leaving I squatted down in the hall to see what was wrong with him. He said "These flowers are for Justin and I want to go up to give them to him. Way, way up." This building is about 6 stories high and he thought heaven was at the top I guess. At this point, I can't keep it together and with tears rolling down my face I told him that Justin isn't there. He died in a car accident and he is in Heaven. The look on his face when I told him this is indescribable-complete shock and sadness. His little eyes swelled up with tears and he stuck out his bottom lip and said "But, I want him." Obviously at this point there was no holding it together and I just wrapped my arms around him. All I could say is "I know baby, I want him too." After I pulled myself together, we continued and the next person we came to, he gave them "Justin's" flowers, so I think he finally understood.

For a three year old who has never known Justin to express emotion the way he did was incredibly touching. So, as you can see, I was definately the one blessed and challenged by this day. I was reminded by the innocence of my 3 year old that I needed to remember the importance of God's love and the promise we have of reuniting with our loved ones one day. And equally important is our impact on those around us while here on this earth, the difference we can make in even the smallest actions and the lives that can be changed by the kindness we show. So, I think we have found our special way of remembering Justin and it will be something we do for many years to come.




One of my patients: Ms. Hannah



95 year old resident

Cooper Update and other Johnson Family News

I went to the doctor today and I have dilated 2 centimeters and I am 80% effaced. She thinks it will be 1-2 weeks, so our wait for Cooper will not be much longer! As far as how I feel, some days are worse than others depending on how active I am. Just the normal woes towards the end of pregnancy-feeling big, lots of pressure, etc. Eric has been very helpful and supportive around the house and with Gavin which has made it alot easier. Gavin seems like he is going to do really well with Cooper. He gets excited about being a big brother and wants to get down to my belly so he can talk to Cooper. It is really sweet to see him talk about his baby brother. He thinks that he is going to hatch like a baby bird! He has also helped getting his room ready and putting his new things in his room. I can't wait to get a picture of the two of them together--our two boys!!! We will keep you all posted on Cooper's arrival!!! Here are some pictures of my belly and the nursery.







Eric has had alot of exciting news this past month. On September 17th, he was ordained as deacon at our church-Florence First Baptist Church. This is a really big deal for him because he is following in the footsteps of some really great men in the Johnson family. Ever since Eric and I have been married, this has been something he really hoped to become one day. It is amazing to see what God has done in his life and what opportunities have been opened since we have been here in Florence over the past two years. I am so thankful for the person that he is and the opportunity he has been given to have a positive influence on those he is now serving. I know he would say many thanks to his dad for helping to mold him into the person he is today. The other neat part was that he got to share this experience with his high school friend and college roommate, Tres Coker. It is strange that they both ended up in Florence, AL with neither of them being from here. We attend the same church. And then to top it off, they are ordained as deacons on the same day. We are very blessed to have such great friends in Tres, Lori and Mallory. Here a few pictures from the deacon ordination.






Eric's other exciting news is that he and Courtney (my partner's husband) have purchased Frank Lary's Trophy Shop here in Florence. They closed this past Friday so this is their first official week. This is a nerve racking time with all that has to be done, but it has always been Eric's dream to be an entrepreneur and that dream is finally becoming a reality. What is better is that it is located 2 doors down from our office on Darby Drive. It couldn't be a better set up with having young kids (in case the boys are sick or school is closed or they just need to go to work with dad). The guy that they are purchasing the shop from has been in business for 27 years and is making a move to Birmingham to be with his sons and other family. There are alot of exciting things that they want to do to really make it even better than it already is. Eric has quit his job, but Courtney will continue to teach and coach for the time being. At some point, they hope to open it up so that orders can be placed on the internet. As soon as they get a website up and running, we will share it with everyone. Please pray for this new venture in our lives, especially with a new baby almost here! Here are some pictures of Gavin and Eric and the Trophy Shop.





Gavin had his teeth cleaned for the first time on September 26th. He did GREAT!!! Of course, he watched Eric go first and then he couldn't wait for his turn. Nina is one of our hygeniest who also goes to church with us and taught Gavin in one year old sunday school. She is so great with kids and is such a hard worker. We appreciate her so much! Thanks Nina! Here are a few pics from his big day.






More pictures of Gavin: what a cool dude!!

And some of Gavin with grandparents--We sure have enjoyed their visits!



Gavin with his big buddy Caleb