California 1

So we went to California for almost 2 weeks this summer. It was a great trip and I love slipping back into that SoCal mode of life for a while. The weather is great, the beach is so great, and being surrounded by family and wonderful friends from my childhood is very refreshing.

So here is the first picture of California I want to define and explain.

From left to right is the following: Kenny (my brother in law), Jay, Bubba and me. The common factor in this picture is twofold. The first being Jesus and the second being Bubba. In no way am I saying the two are equal, but these two factors link the 4 of us together for life.

Jay is the oldest of us, and was the oldest youth group member when Bubba began working with the youth group in Escondido. He began the standard of Bubba being more of a father/brother/friend for those of us to come. Kenny was next in line and although Jay and Kenny were vastly different in their high school years, they both were connected to Bubba in the same manner. I am the pup of the group, but carried on as Jay and Kenny had, seeing Bubba as family more than friend.

To explain this relationship that the 3 of us share in common would take far too much time and I would do a poor job, seeing that the story stretches over 25 years now and contains more details than I have the energy to share. Let me try to simplify.

Bubba was instrumental in sharing the gospel and showing Jesus to the three of us. Bubba, and Robynn and the kids accepted us as one of them, although Jay had left for college by the time Kenny was entering the family and Kenny had left for college by the time I took my place. The constant factor, again through all of the years was Bubba. He had the ability and desire to care for and love each of us and be the friend that we each needed.

The lessons he taught us about life and work, family and 4x4's, the perfection of the Kingdom and the value in serving others are things that we will not forget. Bubba and Robynn were there to celebrate our victories, and were always ready to comfort us in our darkest hour. Jay, Kenny and I can all share story after story of the great memories with Bubba and Robynn. Crashing on their couch, late night ice cream and cookies at the house, great trips to Glamis, long summers of work and most of all how Bubba and Robynn never quit loving us.

There are certain people in the world that remind me of the pure goodness of God, and Bubba and Robynn are two such people. Jay, Kenny and I owe a great deal to Bubba and Robynn and there are not enough days left to thank them.

I look forward to many more years of valued friendship with you all.