SUMMER 2025

Here in Sioux Falls, we are in our last week of summer. School starts next week. This brings so many emotions. Normally there is excitement for routines again that come with the start of school, with a little bit of sadness of summer being over. Joy and sadness always walk side by side these days. I never understood how both could be true together. Now it is my everyday life. I have great sadness that there is no first day of school. That I will never know what Briella’s first day of high school would look like. Would she be excited? What would she be wearing and how would she do her hair? It would be her first day of school that she would be driving herself. Most days I do not even know what to do with all these thoughts. Briella is forever 12. I cannot really imagine what she would be like as a 14-year-old freshman in high school.

I have no idea how I have made it through the last 2 ½ years without her by my side. She was my mini me, my sidekick. As I reflect on another summer without our girl, I am grateful for memories made with our family and sad that Briella was not here to be part of it. Our summer was filled with many memories. We started our summer with a family vacation to Savannah, GA. We had a wonderful time together as a family. I am so thankful that our adult kids made this time together a priority. We stayed at a place on the river. We watched a few amazing sunsets. Briella would have wanted to try to capture them through film or on paper. It was like a little hug from our girl that first night we were there. Just her saying, “I’m with you. Enjoy vacation!”

We both started new jobs just before summer. This has brought a new rhythm to life and lots of adjustments. We both enjoy our new jobs. Jim is at a nonprofit, Call to Freedom as their Sr. Director of Operations. I am working part-time at our church, Central Church, in Kid Central as the Curriculum Director.

Most of the Kid Central team during Skill School (our summer VBS).

We also enjoyed a couple of music festivals. We went to Rise Fest in Sheldon, IA. That was a special weekend. We were able to meet Matthew West. We were able to thank him for the video he sent to Briella and share how we used his song “Me on Your Mind” in her celebration of life. This was a special time connecting with him. That night from stage Matthew mentioned us, shared about Briella, and dedicated “Me on Your Mind” to us and Briella. We were even able to be backstage during part of his show. We also went to One Fest in Cadott, WI. Briella was honored in their kids’ area. They used Briella’s coloring pages from her coloring book and had posters up about her. Katy Nichole was there, and we were able to hear another song from Briella’s celebration of life, “God is in this Story.” I love how Briella has impacted lives, and they want to keep sharing her story. Val is one of those people. She oversees the kids’ area at One Fest.

Matthew West’s parents. They were at the prayer wall and they remembered praying for Briella.

We also enjoyed a big celebration on the Fourth of July just like Briella would have wanted. Extended family was around lots this summer with Jaden’s shed project and softball tournaments.

It was a good summer overall and this year I am sad that it is ending. The passing of time without Briella is hard. How has it been just over 2 ½ year. I am so thankful that we will have eternity together! Until that day I will keep sharing about my girl and praying that her story changes lives. I want to keep her wish going…helping people know Jesus. Remember, as Briella would remind her friends…You are special just as you are. Be yourself!

“In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.” Matthew 5:16

To Grasp, To Hold, To Let Go