mama jean.

Two days after Christmas, we got the phone call that Mama Jean, John's paternal grandmother, had passed away. While we were deeply saddened by the news, we rejoiced knowing that she was in the arms of her Lord and Savior and reunited with her true love, Grandaddy, who her heart ached for since July. We cried tears of happiness and hope at the thought of that sweet reunion. 

July 4, 1931 - December 27, 2015

"Jean Williams Bryant, age 84, of Birmingham, AL was called Home to glory on December 27, 2015. Jean was preceded in death by her adoring husband Francis A. Bryant. She is survived by her sister Tomera Williams Lenoir; her three sons and their families, Larry and Cindy Bryant, Steve and Pam Bryant, and Warren and Kim Bryant; six grandchildren, Ashley Lawrence (Jack), Stephanie Adams (David), Eric Bryant, John Bryant (Lauren), Lea Moore (Bradley) and Crawford Bryant; and six great grandchildren, Jackson Lawrence, Bennett Moore, William Moore, Sam Moore, Brooks Bryant, and Ann Bennett Bryant, all of Birmingham, AL. Jean was born July 4, 1931 in Chilton County, AL to William Bennett and Cloie DeLoach Williams. She met her husband Francis in school, and stayed by his side for 68 years, until his passing in July of this year. Jean loved her husband dearly, and was a steadfast helpmate throughout his life. Together, they started a business, raised three boys, and served their church body faithfully, both at Raleigh Avenue and Lakeside Baptist. Possessing a quiet and gentle spirit, she cared for others well by cooking and hosting many at their farm. She loved reading God's word. She read through many bibles, passing each one along to her children and all of her grandchildren. Jean will be greatly missed, but we know that in our loss, she has gained eternity with her Heavenly Father."

The visitation, funeral, and graveside services were held on December 30th. We celebrated her amazing life in the presence of family and friends who loved her dearly. It was a bittersweet day.

We love you so much, Mama Jean, and are thankful for the way that you loved us.

grandaddy.

On Monday morning, the Lord unexpectedly called John's Grandaddy home. He was the most honorable man that we are lucky enough to have known and loved.

May 4, 1928 - July 13, 2015 

"Francis A. Bryant, age 87, of Birmingham, AL went Home to be with his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ on July 13, 2015. Francis was preceded in death by his three siblings, Arnold Bryant, Robert Bryant, and Merla Bryant. Francis is survived by his loving wife Jean Bryant of 68 years, his three sons and their families; Larry and Cindy Bryant, Steve and Pam Bryant, and Warren and Kim Bryant; six grandchildren, Ashley Lawrence (Jack), Stephanie Adams (David), Eric Bryant, John Bryant (Lauren), Lea Moore (Bradley) and Crawford Bryant; and six great grandchildren, Jackson Lawrence, Bennett Moore, William Moore, Sam Moore, Brooks Bryant and Ann Bennett Bryant, all of Birmingham, AL. Francis was born May 4,1928 in Chilton County to John and Effie Bryant. Francis was a hard worker and started a residential construction company, Francis A. Bryant & Sons, over 50 years ago. He also used his passion for building to serve with Carpenters for Christ for many years. He was a faithful member and served as a Deacon at both Raleigh Avenue and Lakeside Baptist Church. Francis and Jean greatly enjoyed their farm each week, a place where he tended his garden, took care of his horses, and hosted many gatherings. Throughout his life, Francis treated others with kindness, gentleness, and humility. Possessing a true servants heart, Francis faithfully cared for and dearly loved his family and friends. Francis loved the Lord and portrayed Him in both his words and actions, shaping the lives of those around him. He will be greatly missed by all who knew him. But we can rejoice that His Savior has welcomed him Home, Whom he now sees face to face and is worshipping and enjoying forever in glory."

What a legacy he has left behind...

We love you, Grandaddy.

sweet sage.

I wish that this was a happy post, but it's with a hole in my heart that I write about the loss of our Sage. Last Thursday, with flowing tears, I said goodbye to John's first love and on Friday, he said his farewells. Saturday morning, after confirmation of aggressive lymphoma, Pops held Sagey while she drifted away.

It hurts to say goodbye to a pet, especially a one-of-a-kind pup like Sage. She is truly irreplaceable and will be missed too much. I am so thankful that Brooks was able to meet her and I know Sage loved him as much as we do.

So, here's to Sage, the best dog anybody could ask for; a fighter who beat the odds and lived eight years longer than every vet predicted.

We love you, girl.

...and I'm crying again.