God Took Bruce by the Hand Today

Bruce Andrew Steegstra

1946-2009

Love never gives up, never loses faith, is always hopeful

and endures through every circumstance.

1 Cor. 13:7

Today, September 2, 2009 at 6:00 am, God called Honey's name and he answered. Bruce fought to hang on and tried to survive with all his might. His love for me was obvious - he tried so hard to extend our journey.

Rest now my love. You have shown great strength and love for the Lord, your friends, your family and me. Now rest in his peace until our journey picks up once again.

Here is a poem I wrote and shared with Bruce recently:

My Honey, My Love

I love you enough to let you go,

But before I say goodbye let me

tell you how I love you so.

You held my hand as we walked,

And you wrapped your arms around me until we became one.

That is the safest place in my world.

You brushed my hair from my eyes

as you pronounced your forever love for me.

You gave me value as you restored me.

We joked and kidded around from sunrise to sunset

Often realizing we were the only ones still awake.
You leave joy in my heart.

We heard each other snort because we couldn't hold back the laughter any more.

And we took turns drying each other's eyes as the tears flooded from our hearts.
I will never forget your touch.

I ran from the car stroking the casino slots hoping for the big win before you could park the car.
But you are greater than any Grand Prize.
You made my life rich.

As I limped for years trying to find recovery with these knees,
You escorted me to any sale, bargain or craft item rejoicing with me when the hunt was a success
You were my strength when I was weak.

We traveled many roads, hand in hand, seeing God's country.
We applauded God viewing his scenery, storms, waters, and lands with praise and worship -
The three of us intertwined together making the perfect marriage.

I won't allow this final chapter
to cloud our journey, memories and love toward one another.
The refining fire of life has purified us, my love.

God has blessed us through this journey - hasn't he, Honey.
He restored our minds and speech when everything else was broken.
Through his love and grace we shared our hearts, memories and goodbyes.

As my lips give you that last kiss and our hands leave that last touch,
I close my eyes and feel and hear your heart beat in my hand
and will always remember how you said it will beat with love for me from afar.

Now as I . . . . . . . . . . . . .love you
enough to let you . . . . . . . . go , know this :
You will always be my husband, my best friend,
and great lover. We have survived many storms of life
together throughout these 11 years. Hand in hand,
heart to heart, through the happy times and tears.
No matter where life leads us my dearest
Bruce, know it's true, I will spend a
lifetime of tomorrows loving
you. Sweet dreams my
love until we meet
again with all
my love
Dear,
Your
Shelly Rose

Thank you my dear, dear friends, family and prayer warriors for all your support. We will post funeral information here this afternoon.

Love,

Shelly