Garet and the eulogy

RedBullJeep · 12-05-2005, 10:45 AM

Some of you caught the written eulogy before the Pirate server crash...well, Garet delivered the eulogy on Saturday and wow, was it a touching speech that closed the whole service. He was so good, the Bishop stood up after Garet spoke and layed his speech on the pulpit. He thought for a minute and then said, "I wrote something special to close out this service for Bryce but after hearing Garet's words, I can't think of anything that would be more fitting as a tribute to Bryce...let's end it with Garet and close with a prayer..."

It was an amazing service...over 170 people in attendance and the entire service was exceptional with real "from the heart" speeches that actually told stories of Bryce's fight for his young life. Even the president of ToastMasters spoke as he is a close family friend and I have to say his words were powerful and moving and perfect to reflect Bryce's life and at the same time honor him...still, as he said to Garet after the ceremony, his words were nothing compared to Garet's.

A little background:
Garet (my oldest son) was almost 6 when he met Bryce...Bryce was 8 and had a severe childhood disease that caused random tumors and blood delivery issues...the prognosis was his life would end at around 9-10 years old. They became best friends immediatly and Garet knew the life and tragic ending Bryce was facing. Neither of them acted like they knew it was coming. In October, Garet turned 12 and though Bryce wasn't supposed to make it past ten, he was a few weeks away from his 14th birthday. The day we returned from Australia, we got a call that Bryce was in Children's Hopital ICU and that he had heart failure and his kidneys were done with no chance of fixing things. The next morning (the day before Thanksgiving) we travelled to LA to say our goodbyes...imagine watching your 11 year old literally say goodbye for the last time to his best friend. Bryce could not speak due to the machines and medications he was on but he could definitly hear everything Garet said. Garet became my hero that day as he spoke of all of the fun times they had together and then told Bryce that he was his best friend, thanks for being his best friend, and I'll miss you. Then the most heartbreaking goodby you can imagine...an 11 year old saying goodbye to his 14 year old best friend.
Bryce passed away on the Sunday after Thanksgiving.
Garet had never been to a funeral so he asked what it was going to be like...we told him that it would be a tough and sad day as people spoke about Bryce's life and what we've gained from his presence. Garet immediatly asked if he could speak too. At first, we were aprehensive but let him think on it for awhile. The next day, we sat down and spoke about it more and he was now determined that he was going to tell his story about Bryce so we wrote to Bryce's family to ask their feelings. They called the next day to say they were honored and that considering Garet was Bryce's best friend, they woud like him to be the final speaker before the Bishop gave his closing.
They could not have made a better choice...Garet got up to speak and in the seconds as he was walking to the pulpit, the tears from the people there started to roll...until that moment, the adults speeches made you forget that Bryce was only a child. Seeing Garet walking up to face them, I think they suddenly realised the innocence and delacacy of childhood.
Garet spoke clearly and perfectly...his own tears did not get in the way of a single word he spoke and his story brought about good feelings, laughter, pity, and sorrow, all in the span of 6 minutes. There wasn't a wingle word misspoken of bobbled, even during the last paragraph when the rest of the audience was fully in tears. Garet was crying himself, but somehow, he spoke as clear as ever and again, he showed his strength and compassion and bravery and again became my hero...everyone's hero. We owe Bryce credit for a ton of that because Bryce taught him without ever telling him that no matter how big the obstacle, it can be climbed...

Here is the eulogy we wrote together...imagine the words as they are spoken through the small voice of a child and they truly take on a new meaning...

There was something I never asked my best friend. “Do you believe in ANGELS?” If most people think about that, they would wonder if Bryce had an angel watching over him.

Think about it…He came into this world already facing an obstacle bigger than most grown men could face, yet he didn’t look at that obstacle, he looked for the fun he could have dancing around it.

You would think the only way a child could do that, is if there was an angel standing between his eyes and the obstacle……maybe that angel was so good that Bryce never even saw the problems he faced.

You would think that same angel was there to make him strong and able to stand up and speak out……to help others have a better day or even a better life. You all know that every chance he got, he’d say or do something to make you laugh or smile……

You would think that the angel was there to help him offer comfort and friendship to others in their time of troubles. I was only five when I met him in the days after I was moved from Las Vegas to his street in Santee…..
I had no friends and was worried that I would have a hard time making them when Kenny and Stephen introduced me to Bryce. I found he shared the same likes and dislikes as me…we both liked Mac N Cheese and both HATED Broccoli. We both loved Ice Cream……but didn’t like girls….not yet anyway…

We loved to swim in his pool, play video games with his brothers for hours and hours, and visit the coolest spider ever that lived, in the bush outside of his house…..

We both loved to play soccer and sing silly songs that aggravated everyone else…….It made me feel good knowing I had a new friend there for me. That angel wasn’t JUST watching out for HIM after all.

Our friendship grew and so did our mischief…..feeding his dog, Zipper, french fries, and staying up all night on our big sleepover with Bryce, Kenny, Stephen, Katie, me, and Chase…..

Even though he moved to Las Vegas, we stayed in touch thanks to the invention of a cell phone….wow could Bryce talk!...……….and talk………….and talk………..

We couldn’t wait for Halloween so we could dress up and fill our pillow cases with candy…even when we were in separate cities, we talked on the phone about our costumes and treasures of sugar and chocolate.

Halloween was so important that even when he was in the hospital, Stephen and I visited him and took him a costume……You all can imagine what he looked like………a Viking Hat on his head……..a staff in his hand…….. and nothing else on but his birthday suit…..I’m glad I didn’t see it…the angel was watching over me and covering my eyes!

You know that angel???.....you’d think it must have been there these last few years when Bryce faced his toughest times. Even with the difficulties, he had the ability to smile and joke and even laugh at himself! He lost a leg you know……the day he was going in for the operation, Dad and I sent him an e-mail listing ten great things about a wooden leg…things like, You’ll always have firewood if you get stuck in a cold place…….OR…..If you’re brothers tease you, you have something to hit them with……and other jokes like that…….Instead of feeling sorry for himself, he laughed out loud….. Did that angel help him with his sense of humor in a tough time?

That angel was sure there when he got to go to DisneyWorld for make-a-wish!.....and Bryce was the best friend ever for inviting me to come along and share it all…..the rides…the fun…..and five trips a day to get ice cream!

I know the angel was there when he was driving his wheelchair…..if the angel wasn’t there, someone would have been hurt for sure!......I think the angel was on break when Bryce ran over Checkers’ tail though……..

You know, Bryce had it as good as it gets for the problems he had…..He was surrounded by an awesome family…….he had tons of cool electronics…..he had the neatest dogs to love him…..he got awesome Star Wars gifts straight from his hero George Lucas……he got to go to the race track with Mario Andretti……he had every great experience a boy could want….

You know….angels are only around for so long to brighten your life, then they move along to brighten someone else’s….. I never asked my best friend. “Do you believe in ANGELS…”……I didn’t need to…if he looked in the mirror, he was looking straight at one…..only this angel had freckles and a smile that never quit…...

Bryce you’re my best friend AND my angel and will be forever.

I am now positive that angels exist...Bryce was one and my son either is one of has one by his side...

.

Moab Austin · 12-05-2005, 11:05 AM

that made me cry.

having met your kids, and talking to garet quite a bit at zacks, and already thinking what a great kid, now this...you and becka have done a wonderful job.

considering your schedule and the fact that tons of parents can't do half that, you should feel very proud.

but really very very sad

what pain - I guess ou just let it take its course, but watch over him, let him know that other good things will come.

CMF · 12-05-2005, 11:28 AM

I'm in tears.

bigun · 12-05-2005, 11:33 AM

I can understand why there was not a dry eye in the church and why the bishop said what he said. I can tell you that there are no dry eye's here either. You have raised a son to be proud of no mater how many times he agravates you and your wife. Thanks for sharing.

Tbam · 12-05-2005, 11:48 AM

damn

CaseyP · 12-05-2005, 11:52 AM

dustin~

you've raised an excellent son. after reading this a third time, and it still brings a tear to my eye. my condolences go out to the family. you should be proud of him for being so brave

YotaRedneckGirl · 12-05-2005, 11:58 AM

Thanks for sharing that, I'm glad that you repost it as I missed it the first time. Thats the first thing that has brought me to tears here.
I lost my best friend to Leukemia when he was 15 and I was 12... that brought up a lot of memories.

Your son sounds like he was a great friend and Bryce will always be in his heart and with him. Thanks again for sharing.

Rubicrawler · 12-05-2005, 12:39 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by CMF

I'm in tears.

ditto

I couldn't finish reading it.

You have a good young man there! I'm sure you're damned proud

black jimmy · 12-05-2005, 01:08 PM

I also think you have done an excellent job with your son, he will grow up to be a fine young man. Your son seems like he was a true best friend to Bryce (RIP

). I read this before I went to lunch, it was kind of hard to reply to this when you can't see from the tears this brought.

Haole · 12-05-2005, 01:59 PM

You've got yourself a good kid Dustin. Obviously Becca is a good influence.

RIP Bryce.

APRILRAZZ · 12-05-2005, 08:53 PM

Wow

NCxj · 12-05-2005, 09:28 PM

Very touching...

12-05-2005, 10:45 AM	#1
RedBullJeep Pirate is KING! Join Date: Jun 2002 Member # 12217 Location: San Diego Area Posts: 11,144	Garet and the eulogy Some of you caught the written eulogy before the Pirate server crash...well, Garet delivered the eulogy on Saturday and wow, was it a touching speech that closed the whole service. He was so good, the Bishop stood up after Garet spoke and layed his speech on the pulpit. He thought for a minute and then said, "I wrote something special to close out this service for Bryce but after hearing Garet's words, I can't think of anything that would be more fitting as a tribute to Bryce...let's end it with Garet and close with a prayer..." It was an amazing service...over 170 people in attendance and the entire service was exceptional with real "from the heart" speeches that actually told stories of Bryce's fight for his young life. Even the president of ToastMasters spoke as he is a close family friend and I have to say his words were powerful and moving and perfect to reflect Bryce's life and at the same time honor him...still, as he said to Garet after the ceremony, his words were nothing compared to Garet's. A little background: Garet (my oldest son) was almost 6 when he met Bryce...Bryce was 8 and had a severe childhood disease that caused random tumors and blood delivery issues...the prognosis was his life would end at around 9-10 years old. They became best friends immediatly and Garet knew the life and tragic ending Bryce was facing. Neither of them acted like they knew it was coming. In October, Garet turned 12 and though Bryce wasn't supposed to make it past ten, he was a few weeks away from his 14th birthday. The day we returned from Australia, we got a call that Bryce was in Children's Hopital ICU and that he had heart failure and his kidneys were done with no chance of fixing things. The next morning (the day before Thanksgiving) we travelled to LA to say our goodbyes...imagine watching your 11 year old literally say goodbye for the last time to his best friend. Bryce could not speak due to the machines and medications he was on but he could definitly hear everything Garet said. Garet became my hero that day as he spoke of all of the fun times they had together and then told Bryce that he was his best friend, thanks for being his best friend, and I'll miss you. Then the most heartbreaking goodby you can imagine...an 11 year old saying goodbye to his 14 year old best friend. Bryce passed away on the Sunday after Thanksgiving. Garet had never been to a funeral so he asked what it was going to be like...we told him that it would be a tough and sad day as people spoke about Bryce's life and what we've gained from his presence. Garet immediatly asked if he could speak too. At first, we were aprehensive but let him think on it for awhile. The next day, we sat down and spoke about it more and he was now determined that he was going to tell his story about Bryce so we wrote to Bryce's family to ask their feelings. They called the next day to say they were honored and that considering Garet was Bryce's best friend, they woud like him to be the final speaker before the Bishop gave his closing. They could not have made a better choice...Garet got up to speak and in the seconds as he was walking to the pulpit, the tears from the people there started to roll...until that moment, the adults speeches made you forget that Bryce was only a child. Seeing Garet walking up to face them, I think they suddenly realised the innocence and delacacy of childhood. Garet spoke clearly and perfectly...his own tears did not get in the way of a single word he spoke and his story brought about good feelings, laughter, pity, and sorrow, all in the span of 6 minutes. There wasn't a wingle word misspoken of bobbled, even during the last paragraph when the rest of the audience was fully in tears. Garet was crying himself, but somehow, he spoke as clear as ever and again, he showed his strength and compassion and bravery and again became my hero...everyone's hero. We owe Bryce credit for a ton of that because Bryce taught him without ever telling him that no matter how big the obstacle, it can be climbed... Here is the eulogy we wrote together...imagine the words as they are spoken through the small voice of a child and they truly take on a new meaning... There was something I never asked my best friend. “Do you believe in ANGELS?” If most people think about that, they would wonder if Bryce had an angel watching over him. Think about it…He came into this world already facing an obstacle bigger than most grown men could face, yet he didn’t look at that obstacle, he looked for the fun he could have dancing around it. You would think the only way a child could do that, is if there was an angel standing between his eyes and the obstacle……maybe that angel was so good that Bryce never even saw the problems he faced. You would think that same angel was there to make him strong and able to stand up and speak out……to help others have a better day or even a better life. You all know that every chance he got, he’d say or do something to make you laugh or smile…… You would think that the angel was there to help him offer comfort and friendship to others in their time of troubles. I was only five when I met him in the days after I was moved from Las Vegas to his street in Santee….. I had no friends and was worried that I would have a hard time making them when Kenny and Stephen introduced me to Bryce. I found he shared the same likes and dislikes as me…we both liked Mac N Cheese and both HATED Broccoli. We both loved Ice Cream……but didn’t like girls….not yet anyway… We loved to swim in his pool, play video games with his brothers for hours and hours, and visit the coolest spider ever that lived, in the bush outside of his house….. We both loved to play soccer and sing silly songs that aggravated everyone else…….It made me feel good knowing I had a new friend there for me. That angel wasn’t JUST watching out for HIM after all. Our friendship grew and so did our mischief…..feeding his dog, Zipper, french fries, and staying up all night on our big sleepover with Bryce, Kenny, Stephen, Katie, me, and Chase….. Even though he moved to Las Vegas, we stayed in touch thanks to the invention of a cell phone….wow could Bryce talk!...……….and talk………….and talk……….. We couldn’t wait for Halloween so we could dress up and fill our pillow cases with candy…even when we were in separate cities, we talked on the phone about our costumes and treasures of sugar and chocolate. Halloween was so important that even when he was in the hospital, Stephen and I visited him and took him a costume……You all can imagine what he looked like………a Viking Hat on his head……..a staff in his hand…….. and nothing else on but his birthday suit…..I’m glad I didn’t see it…the angel was watching over me and covering my eyes! You know that angel???.....you’d think it must have been there these last few years when Bryce faced his toughest times. Even with the difficulties, he had the ability to smile and joke and even laugh at himself! He lost a leg you know……the day he was going in for the operation, Dad and I sent him an e-mail listing ten great things about a wooden leg…things like, You’ll always have firewood if you get stuck in a cold place…….OR…..If you’re brothers tease you, you have something to hit them with……and other jokes like that…….Instead of feeling sorry for himself, he laughed out loud….. Did that angel help him with his sense of humor in a tough time? That angel was sure there when he got to go to DisneyWorld for make-a-wish!.....and Bryce was the best friend ever for inviting me to come along and share it all…..the rides…the fun…..and five trips a day to get ice cream! I know the angel was there when he was driving his wheelchair…..if the angel wasn’t there, someone would have been hurt for sure!......I think the angel was on break when Bryce ran over Checkers’ tail though…….. You know, Bryce had it as good as it gets for the problems he had…..He was surrounded by an awesome family…….he had tons of cool electronics…..he had the neatest dogs to love him…..he got awesome Star Wars gifts straight from his hero George Lucas……he got to go to the race track with Mario Andretti……he had every great experience a boy could want…. You know….angels are only around for so long to brighten your life, then they move along to brighten someone else’s….. I never asked my best friend. “Do you believe in ANGELS…”……I didn’t need to…if he looked in the mirror, he was looking straight at one…..only this angel had freckles and a smile that never quit…... Bryce you’re my best friend AND my angel and will be forever. I am now positive that angels exist...Bryce was one and my son either is one of has one by his side... . __________________ . Dustin Webster Red Bull RockCrawling Team www.beccawebster.com free 71PA_Highboy! banning info available now in the place we're not supposed to talk about. University of 4 Wheel Drive - Off Road Training DVD's and Instruction. U4WD.com RockHer 1 and RockHer 2 for sale...makin room to start on something new. PM for details.

12-05-2005, 11:05 AM	#2
Moab Austin Zeus of the Sluice Join Date: Feb 2001 Member # 3475 Location: Moab UT U.S.A Posts: 2,970	that made me cry. having met your kids, and talking to garet quite a bit at zacks, and already thinking what a great kid, now this...you and becka have done a wonderful job. considering your schedule and the fact that tons of parents can't do half that, you should feel very proud. but really very very sad what pain - I guess ou just let it take its course, but watch over him, let him know that other good things will come. __________________ FREE LED LIGHT http://pirate4x4.com/forum/showthread.php?t=851171 RC CAR Parts http://www.pirate4x4.com/forum/showthread.php?t=851196 ELECTRONICS DEALS.. examples at http://pirate4x4.com/forum/showthread.php?t=830142 Custom Gauges - Billet hotrod parts - Suspension -Batteries-Camera-Car Audio-GPS-Security-Photo-Appliances - Telecom Tvs-Video Game

12-05-2005, 11:33 AM	#4
bigun Rock God Join Date: Apr 2004 Member # 29037 Location: Wheat Ridge Co/Mountainair NM Posts: 1,089	I can understand why there was not a dry eye in the church and why the bishop said what he said. I can tell you that there are no dry eye's here either. You have raised a son to be proud of no mater how many times he agravates you and your wife. Thanks for sharing. __________________ “I will not be wronged, I will not be insulted and I will not be laid a hand on. John Wayne “The Shootist.”

12-05-2005, 11:48 AM	#5
Tbam BAM!BAM!BAM!BAM!BAM! Join Date: Dec 2002 Member # 15754 Location: T-town, Tennessee Posts: 559	damn __________________ LIFE..its sexually transmitted and always fatal.( . Y . )

12-05-2005, 11:52 AM	#6
CaseyP Rock God Join Date: Jul 2002 Member # 12557 Location: Chico/Ripon, Ca Posts: 1,348	dustin~ you've raised an excellent son. after reading this a third time, and it still brings a tear to my eye. my condolences go out to the family. you should be proud of him for being so brave __________________ ECV 7-11 Yosemite Off-Road Forums

12-05-2005, 11:28 AM	#3
CMF Registered User Join Date: Oct 2004 Member # 36775 Location: nashville Posts: 156	I'm in tears.

12-05-2005, 11:58 AM	#7
YotaRedneckGirl Registered User Join Date: Oct 2003 Member # 23716 Location: Iowa? Posts: 241	Thanks for sharing that, I'm glad that you repost it as I missed it the first time. Thats the first thing that has brought me to tears here. I lost my best friend to Leukemia when he was 15 and I was 12... that brought up a lot of memories. Your son sounds like he was a great friend and Bryce will always be in his heart and with him. Thanks again for sharing. __________________ Lara ~ #398 & #101 ~

12-05-2005, 01:08 PM	#9
black jimmy It'll buff out...... Join Date: Jul 2003 Member # 21249 Location: Cookeville, TN Posts: 378	I also think you have done an excellent job with your son, he will grow up to be a fine young man. Your son seems like he was a true best friend to Bryce (RIP ). I read this before I went to lunch, it was kind of hard to reply to this when you can't see from the tears this brought. __________________ Patrick 1972 GMC Jimmy 350/350/205, 44 front, 12 bolt rear welded w/redneck shackle flip, 4 in spings front, 35 in MTRs. Sold it! Last edited by black jimmy; 12-05-2005 at 01:09 PM.

12-05-2005, 01:59 PM	#10
Haole Wahine keiki Join Date: Jul 2001 Member # 5859 Location: Here Posts: 2,412	You've got yourself a good kid Dustin. Obviously Becca is a good influence. RIP Bryce. __________________ Ka 'aina uluwehi, ko kakou kuleana. - The lush life-giving land, our personal responsibility. RIP Dennis Mayer Ventura County Axle SnappersNorCal

12-05-2005, 08:53 PM	#11
APRILRAZZ Corpse Man Up! Join Date: May 2003 Member # 19565 Location: VA not CA Posts: 493	Wow __________________ But a constitution of government, once changed from freedom, can never be restored. Liberty once lost is lost forever.-John Adams

12-05-2005, 09:28 PM	#12
NCxj Registered User Join Date: Feb 2002 Member # 10293 Location: Winston-Salem, NC Posts: 441	Very touching... __________________ -Will [COLOR=MediumTurquoise]"This is a strange country we live in. When it comes to electing a President, we get two choices. But when we have to select a Miss America, we get 50" - Jay Leno[/COLOR] [COLOR=DarkGreen]"If winning isn't everything, why do they keep score?" - Vince Lombardi[/COLOR]

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