The power of words...

Today online, a friend who suffers from AS and Fibromyalgia confessed that she has sometimes thought to herself "... at least cancer has an end." Like opening a door in my soul, I realized that I am not alone. The following is how I replied.

I can't believe you spoke the unspeakable... "at least cancer has an end..." I am ashamed to admit that I too have often thought of that exact truth - or many like it. But you spoke it out! You can't know how much peace that brings to my heart to know that I truly am NOT the only one that has hit that level of desperation.

I go through these times, and then I'll meet someone who is so much worse off than I am, and yet still exudes the grace and love of Jesus Christ - in spite of it all, and I am once more, driven to my knees in shame before Him. I know how truly blessed I am too! How many people can boast that their sixteen year old son will meet me at the door and take everything from my hands and lead me to a chair, and literally wait on me hand and foot? How many people can say they have a beautiful and loving wife, though scared out of her mind for our future, always takes the time to tell me how much she loves me and admires me for going to work every day in spite of my pain? Blessings upon blessings... gifts up on gifts... and here I sit... thinking to myself, "at least cancer has an end..."

At times when God lovingly chastises me in my heart, I realize that I am thinking upside-down again... that I am thinking of myself before all others, and that my focus is woefully myopic. I struggle to find the blessing in it all. I struggle to understand why I'm allowed to bear this pain. I struggle with feeling anger and hurt when I think of all my wife has had to take on her already over-burdened shoulders. And I loathe myself. Not only to I think of other diseases that end, but I also think that I should unburden my family... I'm sure you get my drift... I won't speak it here... but if I were not around... well. Anyway. Once more, God has to chastise me.

When I am clear, and when I understand better the reality of my life, I see that my life is not my own. Having been bought with a price, I have no right at all to think that way - or to even complain about my life that is the Lord's. While it doesn't remove the pain, it does strengthen my resolve. If HE can bear the cross, I can bear AS. And I carry on.

God bless you Chelle for being brave enough to say those words, and give everyone of us hope.


This is me... take it or leave it.

Or-e-GONE no MORE!

Once upon a time I met my big sister for the first time in my life. Then, while I travelled around the world with the Air Force, she moved away to New Mexico first, then to on to Oregon. Suddenly, my sister, whom I'd wanted to get to know better was hundreds of miles away... and the only way I could see her was on the occasional holiday, or sadly, the occasional funeral. I did not relish the idea of a long-distance relationship.

Jeannie in front of the fireplace at our home

Well recently, something magical happened! Out of the blue, the stars aligned, the moon was in it's seventh house, Jupiter aligned with Mars - or whatever, but suddenly, Jeff was given the opportunity to work in Utah... and that meant my sister was coming home! But, like I told Jeannie, I wasn't prepared to believe it until I saw her smiling mug in the flesh.

Jeannie and Jeff's new home on the east-bench in Ogden
(it's absolutely "Capitol!")

Chris has the same kind of relationship with Jeannie as she does with Lisa. We had barely pulled up before the door flew open and Jeannie came running out of the house. I was still pulling stuff from the car when I looked up and saw them dancing in eachothers arms on the front lawn!

Two amazing women... two women I love like mad!

It's awesome to know that Chris is close to my sisters. I only wish that Lisa lived up here - of course I'd never see the three of them - but it would be wonderful. The three of them would tease me to no end, but I would love it. Again, I'm so happy that Chris is close to Jeannie and Lisa.

Jeff giving a little nibble for a Klondike Bar

We had a nice dinner with Jeannie and Jeff. Jeannie made a wonderful raspberry chicken over rice, and we brought a green salad and french bread. Simple fare but the company was wonderful!

Jeff relaxes on the deck while waiting on dinner

Jeff is doing the Marketing for Revv Industries. The product they are selling is an amazing conversion kit for motorcross bikes that allows you to ride them in the snow! Jeff has talked to me about this kit for a long time, but this visit to the house afforded me my first glimpse of the conversion kit. We watched a marketing DVD of the bikes in action riding in the snow, and all I could think of as I watched them go was how much I'd like to take them for a ride!

Noah on the trampoline in the back yard

Noah is growing up to be a very big kid. He'll be nine this month, but to look at him, he could easily pass for a twelve-year-old. He's big! While we were there, Jeff and Noah were wrestling on the bed when Noah threw an elbow and hit Jeff in the nose! There was an ominous "crack" and suddenly Jeff knew it was broken! Jeff has had a history of problems with his nose, so this could be bad...

Hannah strikes a pose... what a beutiful young lady!

Hannah and I got be best buddies most of the night. Jeff and Noah were hanging out with eachother, Chris and Jeannie were talking paint, and Hannah and I "dead-headed" the rose bushes and laid on the trampoline and talked about the trees. Hannah is a little chatter box and a lot of fun to hang out with! We had a good time. Hannah says she wants to come to Salt Lake and have a sleep out with Aunt Chris! I'll tell you one thing... not only does Hannah love the camera, but the camera loves her too! What a cutie!

Chewy was very happy to hang out on my lap and "purr" all night!

At first I was reluctant to admit that this ball of fur was a real dog... but the more he sat on my lap and loved on me, the more he grew on me. He was sitting on my lap with a constant growl going - which Jeannie told me was the way he "purred" and that it meant he was happy! He grew on me through the night. I really like him. I took this picture with my macro lens, and I love how happy he looks. OK, OK!!! Chewy is officially a dog. So let it be written, so let it be done!

The smile says it all!

All I can say is that you don't need to pinch me. This dream is real! I've lamented the fact that Jeannie was so far away from me. And it seemed like whenever she came down we weren't able to spend as much time together as we'd like (of course there never is enough time in a vacation is there?) From the time I first met Jeannie I knew we'd be close! Now that she lives in Utah again, I pray we always will be! I love you Jeannie - welcome home. Jeff, Noah, Hannah? I am so happy you're in my life! Welcome home to all!

This is me... take it or leave it.

Is there anything better in the WHOLE WORLD??

Is there anything in the world as wonderful as a baseball game? Is there anything quite so awesome as the crowd, the sounds, the atmosphere? I'd have to say no!

Rob and I go to baseball games at the local AAA Angel's affiliate, the Salt Lake Bees every chance we get. Rob's able to get tickets from his work, and he's always kind enough to invite this old cripple!

In-field view from under the deck

The concourse is filled with eager fans buying dogs and beer, and with lots of kids in their little league uniforms. I used to go to games with my dad back in the day when the Gulls played in SLC. Of course, the field was different then. This is the new Franklin Covey Field, and it has one of the very best views in the entire world.

Hot dogs, cotton candy, cold beer and "getcher programs heah!"

There is nothing so wonderful as the view from FC Field in the spring. We went Friday night, so most of the snow is gone off the peaks, but in the spring when the clay is red, the grass is green, the sky is blue, and the snow is still half way down the mountains, it takes your breath away. Even in the summer heat, the view of the scoreboard and beyond is beautiful!

Checking the score always gives you an amazing view!

The infield has a good view too!

I asked the lady in front of me (who had the nerve to be reading a book during the game) to take a picture of Rob and I. She seemed intimidated by the technology of a digital camera, and I was finishing up giving her instructions... HONESTLY! I really wasn't pursing my lips in an unmasculine and girly way! HONEST!!

Me and my best friend Rob - in spite of his love for the BoSox

I've really been blessed to have Rob in my life. To find a man who loves the Lord, and especially his Word as much as Rob does is awesome. We've been in ministry together and have gone through some rough times with eachother. We both play guitar and have an insatiable love for reading and studying the bible. We're not perfect, we laugh a lot, we give eachother a hard time, but I've never had a better friend.

Rob and his lucky Red Sox hat

This was a perfect night for Rob and I to go to the game. It was the one-year anniversary of his father's passing. His dad was a big Red Sox fan and passed his love for the team on to his son - much like my dad passed on his love for the Yankees to me. Naturally, the rivalry between the BoSox and the Yankees is a constant topic of teasing between Rob and I. Now that I've pulled away from the Yankees and have decided to follow the Tigers, he doesn't have as much ammo any more - instead, Rob now chooses to just bag on the Cardinals. Rob and I have both lost our dads. It's one more thing that draws us close together.

Live action on the mound

Put 'er right her buddy!

No, I'm not blind - just too cool

The only draw back to FC Field is that the seats are hard. I'm thinking that it would be worth my while to go get one of those portable pads to sit on. I normally have to tank up on drugs before I go, and by the end of the game, I'm almost frozen in this position. But it's worth it. Anything other than baseball wouldn't be worth it... but come on! We're talking about the best sport in the world!

The ONLY insect I'm tight with!

The Bee rarely comes to the upper deck, and in that I had my camera, I got up and shoved a few little kids over the railing to get this shot. (Just kidding - it was only one!) I look like I've gotten fat don't I? Its not even a beer belly! DANG!

Two of the coolest men on earth - and best friends to boot!

Baseball is just one of the many things that Rob and I have in common and that make our friendship so special to me. Rob has been an excellent sounding board, encourager, friend. Friends like Rob rarely come along in life. I've been blessed. I will always have times like this to sustain me through hard times. Rob, I love you and I'm not afraid to tell you that. Thanks for being in my life, and giving me support and encouragement. I hope we have a long future ahead of us!

This is me... take it or leave it.

My Bus Buddy

One of the things I love about mass transit is the people you meet. I ride the same bus at the same time every week day, so everyone else who does the same get's to know eachother.

This is Doug. Without a doubt, Doug is one of the goofiest and funniest people I know. We used to have a bus driver on our route named Dennis - and the two of them together were like listening to Abbot and Costello. Doug's favorite thing to call Dennis was an "Oxymoron!"

Doug is mentally handicapped, but he's very independent. He lives at home, but he's had several good jobs, and is proud to tell you that he has been working as a dishwasher at a senior assisted living center for the last six years! I know several people who've never held a job for six years in their lives - let alone 6 months! Doug is pretty amazing. Doug is computer literate, and loves to listen to the radio on his scanner.

Doug is a gentle funny friend. He makes me smile every morning on our way to the Trax station. When I see Doug getting on the bus, I always take off my MP3 player because I know we're in for a good talk on the way to the train. Of special note, Doug is a Christian, and believe it or not, was baptized at Calvary Chapel by Terry Long... as I took pictures on the sideline. Small world!

Now that Dennis is no longer on our route in the morning, someone had to become the oxymoron... so now it's me. And it's a title I'm proud to hold!

"Ah, Mike, you're just a big oxymoron!"

This is me... take it or leave it.

Richard Parker...

If you've ever read "Life of Pi" you'll know who Richard Parker is. I found this awesome picture of a tiger on line. What I found amazing about this picture is, there are NO black stripes on this cat! This is the most amazing tiger I've ever seen!

How can you look at something as amazing as this tiger and believe it "just happened to evolve that way?" There is a creator!

This is me... take it or leave it.

This is my Father-in-Law

This is my Father-in-Law, Doug Davis. Ever since I've known him, he's been kind to me. We've had a lot of fun with each other, and actually have a lot in common. He served over 20 years in the United Stated Air Force. I also am an Air Force Vet. We talk for hours about his experiences and mine.

George Douglas "Doug" Davis
My favorite Father-in-Law!

I love to be with Dad. He will occasionally come up and spend the night at our house. Especially if he has an appointment early at the VA hospital. When he does, he always wants to take us out to dinner and to sit and talk and talk. We love it when Dad comes up. The kids and I tease him when he falls asleep by dropping bits of paper in his mouth that's usually open whilst he snores. He get's kinda mad when we do that!

Chris absolutely worships the ground he walks on. Dad always says that if reincarnation is real, he wants to come back as a dog living in OUR house! He loves to snuggle with the dogs when he comes up. Cricket, our first Boston Terrier, would get so excited when he came up. She'd jump and run in circles until grandpa would sit down, and then BOOM right on his lap. He'd scoot over, and Cricket would back her big behind in next to him and there she'd stay. Grandpa would pet her for hours.

Dad? I love you. Thank you for all of your experiences that you share with me. I won't ever get tired of listening to you. You can tell me how you saved the world any time you like. I love you!

This is me... take it or leave it!

Another page from Israel...

I posted one of the pages from my journal I kept from when I was in Israel a while back. I thought I would add this one to it.

While in Israel, in Jerusalem specifically, we went to a place called the Temple Institute. Their mission is found on their webpage, and says, "The Temple Institute is dedicated to every aspect of the concept of the Holy Temple of Jerusalem, and the central role it fulfilled, and will once again fulfill, in the spiritual wellbeing of both Israel and all the nations of the world. The Institute's work touches upon the history of the Holy Temple's past, an understanding of the present day, and the Divine promise of Israel's future. The scope of these activities includes education, research, and development. The Temple Institute's ultimate goal is to see Israel rebuild the Holy Temple on Mount Moriah in Jerusalem, in accord with the Biblical commandments." You can go to the Temple Institutes homepage by clicking HERE.

While we were there, they passed around the long handled cup that is used to catch the blood of the sacrifice, and which the priest uses to take the blood around the altar to place blood on the horns of the altar, and to sprinkle the blood around the base of the altar. Of interest was the fact that the cup had a round bottom so it couldn't be put down by the priest until his task was finished. It could only be put in the special stand created for it. After I'd written this passage below, I found out that the one they had passed to us was a replica, and that the real on (pictured below) will only ever be used for it's intended purpose.

My journal entry describing the cup called a "Mizrak"

The actual 24k solid gold Mizrak

The trip to the Temple Institute wouldn't have been complete without seeing the Menorah. In the middle of Jerusalem, in an outdoor walk, there stands a large glass case. Within the case stands a solid gold seven-lamp menorah which will be used inside the temple when it is rebuilt. The Temple Institute has recreated all of the instruments, utensils, tools and articles associated with temple worship, and in exact compliance with biblical description. The menorah stands out in the open, in a glass case, and is fashioned from a single piece of gold. That would never last in the United States. Of course the Menorah is in a locked enclosure that is alarmed, but still... right out in the open. THAT is the amount of respect Jews have for their faith, and for tradition.

The Menorah on display

I strongly recommend that you go to the Temple Institute's web site and look at their Gallery. They've recently completed the construction of the priestly garments, complete with all of the precious stones on the breastplate and on the shoulders, and believe or not the Urim and Thummim.

(NOTE: I feel it necessary to insert a comment here. As many of my family are Mormons, or members of the LDS church, they may not agree with much of what is said regarding biblical temples. The LDS Church teaches a completely different and non-biblical use and purpose of the temple. Instead of being first the dwelling place of God on earth, and secondly a place where the sins of the priests and of the people were only convered through animal sacrifice - they teach it to be a place where "saving work" is accomplished for those who have preceded us in death - including baptism for the dead, a Masonic-like ritual called an "endowment", and sealings for time and all eternity. All necessary to accomplish their ultimate goal of becoming gods themselves.

Addressing specifically the Urim and Thummim - literally lights and perfections - they were not a large-ish pair of spectacles connected to a breastplate of sorts, as described by Joseph Smith, but instead were thought to be a small white stone and a small black stone which were kept inside the breast plate worn by the high priest. (Exodus 28:30) When seeking the will of God, the priest would pray to God for direction and expecting a yes or no answer, they would reach in to the breast plate and draw forth one of the stones. (Some biblical examples of how they were used can be found in Numbers 27:21 and 1 Samuel 14:3-37.) The colors indicated the answer, and thus, similar to casting lots, the answer of the Lord would be given. Only a priest, of the family of Aaron, of the tribe of Levi was authorized to use the Urim and Thummim (Deuteronomy 33:8). For a comprehensive study of biblical temples, consult first the Holy Bible, and then I would recommend Alfred Eidershiems, "The Temple: It's Ministry and Services")

Whatever your faith background, it is impossible to be in Jerusalem, to walk where Jesus walked, to touch the Western Wall, and see these amazing articles of a system of worship made obsolete through the sacrifice of Jesus Christ on the cross of Calvary, and not be moved. I long to go back again, and pray that before I die, I'll be able to.

This is me... take it or leave it.

What makes Mark and Lisa's home so great!

One thing that always amazes me whenever I go down to Mark and Lisa's is the number of kids that make themselves at home there. All hours of the day and night, there are kids, kids and more kids coming and going. They actually come in and hang out for hours on end too! How weird is that? Mark and Lisa are a safe haven to a lot of them, and they're always treated with love and respect when they come over.

A typical night hanging out playing "Catch-phrase"

The kids come in, walk to the fridge, look in, help themselves, turn on the tv and just hang out. All of Mark and Lisa's boys invite their friends to come and hang out with their parents. It's most unusual!

The big guy in the middle is Wes... his dad's a Columbian drug Lord!

I met Wes on this trip. He is a big, gentle giant like Gerrick. Wes was adopted too, and his birth parents are from Columbia. He jokingly tells people that he's the son of a powerful Columbian Drug Lord. If he wasn't such a kind and gentle guy, you'd be inclined to believe him!

Brady and Lauren hamming it up!

Brady's girlfriend is Lauren. How such a surley, moody kid like Brady got a cute girl to fall for him is beyond me. (Just kidding about the surley and moody Brady... but I still don't get what she sees in you!) Brady is getting ready to go on a mission for the Mormon church, so they won't get to see each other much over the next couple years. They make a cute couple. Brady plays the drums in a band with his brother Gerrick... hope he doesn't lose his rythym! Maybe they'll send him to Brazil, and he'll come back with MORE!

Kimmie and Gerrick... I mean Kimmie and HONEEEEY!

Gerrick is only 16... if you can believe it! He's huge! I used to love teasing Gerrick when he was younger. I would tell them fantastic stories about how I used to be a pirate, and Gerrick would always sit there with big round eyes, buying every word I said. Gerrick is an accomplished musician and plays a mean guitar. Gerrick also plays the tuba, and was recently selected to go to europe to represent his school in the band... he's not sure he's gonna go... I need to beat some sense into that kid!... Well... maybe not... he could flatten me with one swipe of his bear-paw sized hands!

Gerrick checking Wes for breast cancer... or IS he? Hmmmm

When Kimmie isn't around, Wes steps in as Gerricks um... how do I say this? Partner? No... um Companion? Um... nah... "Special Friend..." let's just leave it at that! Wes is a nice kid. He is a total health-nut, and has even succeeded in getting Gerrick to eat (drum roll please!) TOFU! Wes is just one of many kids that feel at home in Mark and Lisa's house. It's a great lesson to us all, after all - they must be doing something right!

This is me... take it or leave it.

Doug and Miriam - and the only kids living at home

While we were in St. George, we got to see Chris's oldest brother, Doug and his wife Miriam. They recently moved from Torrance, California to St. George and have let their daughter Leisha look after Doug's cleaning business.

Doug and Miriam were celebrating their Anniversary

Doug is a HUGE soccer fan. Two of their daughters, Leisha and Kimmie, have played soccer in college and Doug has coached as well. While we were there, the World Cup had started and Doug was in heaven! Doug and Miriam have lived outside of the state of Utah for a very long time. It's nice to have them close now so we can get to know them better!

Doug's son Eric (EJ) rescued a couple of Corn Snakes from his cousins and has raised them to a very large size. They are amazingly docile and feel incredibly silky and cool. When we held them, they wouldn't "wrap" around your arm per se, but would drop a coil on each side of your arm and gently squeeze to keep themselves from slipping. It felt really amazing. Doug takes them outside on occasion to "walk the snakes" in the grass - which they apparently love. The picture below shows their amazing color against Doug's lawn of Kentucky Blue Grass... a lawn that supposedly can't grow in St. George. Doug is proving them all wrong! (Even if he has to break the Word of Wisdom to do it! Just kidding... he uses beer in a special mixture to feed the lawn.)

Just look at that color!

I don't know what happened to the pictures of LISA holding these snakes, but to her credit, she did just that. Mark was in the other room having a panic attack, but Lisa actually got up the nerve and held the smaller of the three snakes and didn't freak out! I was proud of her.

This is a female - and she may be expecting... BEAUTIFUL!

Of course, Chris and I were right in there to hold them and admire them. We both love animals so much that we rarely pass up a chance to interact with them. The female snake was much bigger and stronger than the male. She was darker in color and less shy too. As you can see, she wasn't shy of the camera, and took this moment to pose and even turned her head slightly to be more attractive!

I have the female, and Chris is holding the smaller, lighter male

Steve Irwin has nothing on us... of course, these guys weren't poisonous, but they are snakes! Right after we took this picture, we put the male back, and Chris held the female one more time. In no time, the female was down her shirt and around her back! Doug told us that this particular snake loves to entwine herself in hair, and clothing, and that once, they had to literally cut her out of a gal's hair - she'd entwined herself so deeply and tightly in the lady's bun, that they couldn't get her out without cutting her hair! Wild huh?

Congratulations Doug and Miriam. You've certainly outlasted the national average, and it's very obvious that you love eachother. We look forward to getting to know you better!

This is me... take it or leave it.

My office is goin' to pot!

When my father passed away, I chose a couple of plants from the funeral to put it my office. I figured that one of the best ways to remember my father was through something living - the plants. With my recent trip to St. George, I got a great deal on wonderful glazed pots from Tuesday Morning. I took the pots, a bag of potting soil and some Spanish Moss for the top and repotted them all.

This basket plant was given to us by a friend from my work

I loved the fact that there were so many different plants in one basket, but the Ivy was starting to really take off, and the other plants were blooming too, so it really needed to be broken up.

I chose to put the Ivy in it's own little pot so it could grow larger and fuller. The other plants I spread out and gave each a little more room. I don't think I have a green-thumb, but everyone has been dropping off their plants lately to be brought back to life. I love how they make my office feel, and everyone in the office wants to get more plants now!

The tall plant with the spoon-shaped blossoms really touched my heart. About a week after Dad's funeral, I was feeling particularly sorrowful, when I looked up and saw that a new blossom was coming up from this plant. When it first opens, it's brilliant white. I felt that inspite of all of the sorrow and pain we'd experienced the last few weeks that life goes on. Life continues to sprout new growth. The blossoms gave me the needed relief from my pain that day.

The pots I picked up are all natural tones and highly glazed. The two from the basket are in brown, my little Ficus tree is in green, and my China Doll from Chris is in a deep ocean blue. I couldn't believe my good luck in getting these pots on sale. The lady at the store told me I should come back the next day because they were going to be an additional 30% off! I told her we were leaving that afternoon, and asked if she would be kind enough to give it to me anyway - and she said YES! I got all four pots for only $23! When we had checked Home Depot and a couple other places, a pot the size of the large one pictured here would have cost that alone! What a deal!

My plants give me a warm work atmosphere. I put on my headphones, look at my plants and don't feel as though I'm "toiling for the man" so-to-speak. They've made my office feel very homey.


This is me... take it or leave it.

A tribute to a friend

Those of us who suffer from AS form a unique group. There are many places on the web that provide support to one another, and in which we are fortunate enough to meet others who've been diagnosed with this disease.

One of the biggest is KickAS . While on that site, anyone who dared to bring up God, their faith, or include their faith in their posts would be pounced upon by non-believers who would make it very difficult to share openly there. It turned out that it was OK to wish "white light" and "gentle hugs" and "supernatural healing" to someone, but to share your belief that God can heal, or that prayer makes a difference would immediately result in scorn, mocking, and blatant disrespect. So, a man named Wynand from South Africa - known to all of us as "SonnyZA" started a new site in which those with AS who were born again Christians could come and share their experiences with AS from a spiritual point of view. What a wonderful retreat it turned out to be.

This is Sonny. His AS was of a sort that was very aggressive and very painful. On his website he tells of how he was normally bed-ridden, and was so fragile that once while riding in a car with his brother-in-law, they struck a pot-hole which ended up breaking two vertibra in his back! Needless to say, Sonny was so much worse off than those people he blessed and supported on GodKicksAS.

I remember many times when I was struggling that Sonny would send me a short email full of encouragement and support. Sonny blessed me so much. He spoke often of his faith in God and how he looked forward to the day when he would be able to prance and frolic like the calf mentioned in the bible. He was always looking out for those of us who frequented GodKicksAS, and making sure that the website was there for us - there for when we desperately needed love and support of other Christians who suffered along with Sonny.

Sonny died the other day. I found out about it by visiting GodKicksAS. There was a simple little entry sharing the sad news that Sonny had preceded us all in death. The responses that followed were full of grief and pain - and envy. We all envy Sonny right now. He's free from pain, able to leap and run, and resting in the presence of Jesus Christ.

Sonny was married to Sonette. Sonny relates on his website that when this picture taken, he hadn't eaten for two days, had been taking powerful pain medications for days and was propped up on crutches when this picture was taken. He felt that it was important to give Sonette a real wedding. The only other option was to be married in his room, while lying in bed. Instead, he made the sacrifice of his body and didn't eat to ensure he wouldn't vomit, and took enough pain medication to enable him to stand for his wedding. That inspires me.

He said the pain during his wedding was incredible, but so worth it. I read the account of how Sonette and Sonny met and it makes my heart warm. Here is a woman, not unlike Chris, who has chosen to bless her husband by taking care of them through better and worse, sickness and health.

They lived in South Africa in a Northern Povince by a place called Warmbaths - Well, Sonette still lives there... But it was on land that Sonny purchased after he served in the South African military. He opened his home to his mother and his brother, who lived with them. His sister lived close by on adjoining land. Family was obviously important to him.

Sonette made a beautiful bride. Sunflowers and love. They were both in love with the Lord, and had both served as missionaries and participated in groups whose aim it was to share the Good News of Jesus Christ with the world. Now she is left to carry on alone - without Sonny - Wynand.

I don't know the details of his death. I only know that it was related to AS somehow. Sonny will be missed by all who knew him. I only met him "virtually" online. But in the short time that I knew him, I was blessed, encouraged, and sustained through some hard times.

It's always hard to understand why those who do so much good are taken away from us. Sonny was a tremendous contributor to the joy in other people's lives. He made a great place where we could gather together and share our experiences with AS and relate how our faith has made a difference. It turned out that GodKicksAS was much more than just a message board. Life long friends have been made, and the support there is unparalleled. Sonny's legacy lives on.

Wynand "SonnyZA" Rossouw
1970 - 2006
Gone but not forgotten

===============================================

UPDATE: Many people wanted to know the exact cause of Sonny's death. This was recently published on KickAS: "Regarding the cause, he had fused ribs, that caused serious problems with both the heart and the lungs from time to time, due to congestion. This time around, he developed serious lung problem and was struggling to breathe in his last few days. Though they tried everything, all attempts to restore normal breathing failed. This was the immediate cause, though he had many other issues."