FEBRUARY 26, 2006

The doorbell rang. It was Sunday morning, approximately 6:00. Who on earth would be at our door? As soon as I gathered myself, I began to panic. I quickly realized that nobody rings your doorbell at that time, unless there is an emergency. Kristin and I went to the door and Pastor Phil Waldo informed us that my 21-year old brother, Joe, had been killed in a car accident, along with two of his friends. The driver, was still alive, but in critical condition. I am not going to share what happened from there, as it is of private nature and I will never forget that morning. I’m sure you can imagine receiving similar news.

Over 1,000 people attended his funeral. He was one popular dude that affected numerous lives just with his personality and kindness. A community was rocked by this tragedy, especially the young people. Joe, Grant, and Trent were known by just about everyone. Of course, the question that arises is, “Why?” God revealed himself and his sovereignty that week and is still speaking to our family to this day about why this happened. Will I ever fully understand? Probably not…at least not until heaven. But, over time God is revealing his plan to us in how this tragedy is leading towards victory in the kingdom of God. And the first step was to start APWAP.

Please visit my brother's memorial site.
http://joe-bravard.memory-of.com/About.aspx

(Note: My father, Ken, is in the process of writing a book that will detail what God has revealed to him through this tragedy. To see God’s plan in this tragedy from a father’s perspective will blow your mind. I am hoping this book is finished soon! I am going to keep the focus of my blog more on the adoption process, but obviously this tragedy and other circumstances are forever intertwined.)