Well my dearest Braden,
 we made it through our first Christmas without you.
 It was a busy time as usual for me,
but it sure wasn't the same without you here.
 My heart aches because I miss you so much
 but my busyness and having so many
 people around lessened the pain a little bit.
We had lots of people that came over.
On Friday Dec. 22 we had a
Remembering Braden Christmas Social
for your friends and about 45 of your friends came over
. We had lots of food for them and
then each one lit a candle from your special candle
while the song "Who You'd Be Today" by
Kenny Chesney, played in the background.
Later everyone wrote messages on paper
and they were tied to balloons.
We went outside and launched the balloons
 and watched them all rise to the sky
all together while playing the song
"One Sweet Day" by Miriah Carey.
 There were a lot of tears
so you are missed by all very much Braden
. It was a very nice evening
with the closeness of your friends
 which was appreciated by all
and I know you will remain in their hearts forever.
 You touched each of their lives in a special way
and they love you and miss you.
The next day we had the Kaczmar Christmas here
 and there were 22 people that came.
 We watched your movie
and then lit candles in memory of you again.
 There were many more tears shed.
We all miss you so much my dear son!
On the 24th we went ice fishing
 and you were continually on our minds
 because this is something you always done with us.
On Christmas day we had 8 people over,
our family and the Grandma's.
We opened our gifts and then had dinner.
We had your special candle burning the whole time.
 You are not forgotten and you never will be.
You will always be our special shining light
shining down on us.
Dad and I also decided we want to sponsor
 a child through World Vision in memory of you.
 We picked a little five year old boy
 who lives in Bolivia whose name is Alexsander
 and his birthday is January 22, 2001,
 the same date as your birthday!
We thank God for the strength
He gave us to get through the holidays
and having so many family and friends
around us made it that much more bearable
. See you soon buddy.
Love you forever,
Mom

Those We Love Are With The Lord,
And The Lord Has Promised To Be With Us,
If They Are With Him, And He Is With Us...
They Can Not Be Far Away...



Christmas In Heaven
I see the countless Christmas trees around the world below
with tiny lights like heaven's stars reflecting on the snow.

The sight is so spectacular please wipe away that tear
for I am spending Christmas with Jesus Christ this year.

I hear the many Christmas songs that people hold so dear
but the sounds of music can't compare with the Christmas choir up here.

I have no words to tell you of the joy their voices bring
for it is beyond description to hear the angels sing.

I know how much you miss me, I see the pain inside your heart
for I am spending Christmas with Jesus Christ this year.

I can't tell you of the splendor or the peace here in this place
Can you just imagine Christmas with our Savior face to face?

I'll ask him to lift your spirit as I tell him of your love
so then pray for one another as you lift your eyes above.

Please let your hearts be joyful and let your spirit sing
for I am spending Christmas in heaven and I'm walking with the King.
Wanda Bencke, "copyright 1998"
published by permission