Good evening all!  I’m sorry it’s taken so long to give you an update on the 1^st Annual Beau’s Buddies Caner Fund dinner and golf tournament.  I was trying to get some pictures to go with the update.  I can tell you this - what a weekend Beau’s Buddies had!!  If you were in attendance at the dinner, you know what I mean.  For those of you who couldn’t attend I will try to describe to you all that went on.  You never stop and think about how much work goes into something like this until you see the folks hard at work planning it and work they did for 6 months.  Sunday morning started out at 8 am for Jennifer, Debbie (better known as the general to those on the committee) and various assorted family members and friends.  The tables in the banquet rooms had to be decorated and the all the silent auction items had to be placed on the tables the Hilton had provided.  The check-in tables were setup as well as the tables where the t-shirts and other items were sold.  A big sign Beau’s Buddies’ sign was hung up outside over the entrance and the hole sponsor signs were placed in the yard around the entrance.  Our beautiful blue-eyed boy was everywhere.  Grand-dad’s and Beau’s golf carts were sitting right outside the door to welcome people as they entered the building.  The silent auction started at 5 pm and when we arrived about 5:30 you could hardly walk in the hallway outside the banquet rooms.  It was wall to wall people and everyone was in such a festive mood.  I must say it gave me cold chills to see so many people there for our little fireman and the worthy cause that has been named after him.  The banquet room was bubbling with chatter and people were visiting and talking about Beau and other loved ones that have suffered with this horrible disease cancer.  The first group of people I saw was some of Beau’s special nurses from 2 West and his precious Ms. Louise who always danced for him.  It was so good to see them and get a hug.  They loved Beau and miss him just as much as we do.  There were close to 500 people in attendance – some we knew and some we didn’t.  There were some very special people there that are currently fighting cancer and they know firsthand how important raising money for this cause is.  The dinner was delicious and while dinner was served the program proceeded.  Brian Bailey of WNCT was the emcee for the evening. Various committee members spoke telling the history of Beau’s Buddies, their thoughts about this organization and a slide show was present on the “faces of our heroes” highlighting the many people/friends that have fought and continue to fight cancer.  Jennifer and Parham gave a most touching tribute to Beau.  Jennifer had prepared a little speech but it was hard for her to get through it so Parham stepped up and finished it and then spoke from his heart about Beau and what this organization means to them.  They feel it’s their mission, their destiny to do this work in honor/memory of Beau.  I know Beau was smiling down from heaven on them as they spoke.  A slide show Jennifer had prepared was then shared with everyone.  It was so sweet and brought back so many memories.  I don’t think there was a dry eye in the audience when it finished.  Most of the pictures were of Beau, Beau and Parham, Beau and Jennifer but there was one of Beau and Brianna and several of Beau and Kayla.  You never know if kids are paying attention to stuff like this but Kayla was and it touched her heart deeply.  She came running to Grammy and climbed on my lap and cried.  She had told me early that day when she was driving his golf cart around that she sure did miss Beau.  She told me again she missed him.  I told her it was ok to cry and miss him but he would always be with her in her heart and he would always love her.  She later told her mom that her heart was sad and her heart missed him.  I think those words she spoke were the feelings we were all having while we watched the slide show.  We all miss him and our hearts are sad because he is no longer with us but we have the wonderful memories of our time spent with him.  Even those in attendance that had never met Beau, could feel the love radiating from the pictures of that precious little blue-eyed boy.  All the silent auction items and items for the live auction were sold.  In fact, most of the live auction items were sold then put back up for auction a second time and were sold again.  People were very generous and unselfish through the whole auction.  Raffle tickets were sold prior to dinner and during dinner.  We knew Beau was there when we found out one of Jennifer’s tickets ended in 777 a sign of heaven.  Jennifer won the amethyst ring (her birthstone) and the family members at my table felt like Beau did that for his mom.  But, Jennifer put the ring up for auction and I know Beau was so proud of his mommy for doing that.  I could just see that smiling face and him clapping his hands when his mom did that.  The evening ended and I know everyone in attendance had a wonderful time and is looking forward to next years’ dinner.  The golf tournament was a huge success and everyone enjoyed themselves immensely.  Beau’s little face was all over the golf course.  There were a lot of hole sponsors and the signs for these sponsors also had Beau’s picture on it.  One of the players on Dr. Gibb’s team was Jonathan a ten year old fighting leukemia.  Everyone played hard and had fun and are looking forward to next year’s tournament.  I know Beau was right there beside his mom riding with her in the golf cart as she cruised around the golf course.  And, I know he was standing beside his dada every time he hit the golf ball. 1 Peter 3:8  Finally, all of you, have unity of spirit, sympathy, love for one another, a tender heart, and a humble mind.  There were many volunteers/people from all walks of life working to see that Beau’s Buddies Cancer Fund dinner/golf tournament took place and was a success.  While they may have been different in so many ways, the one thing they were united in was to see this endeavor was a success so “friends could help friends” and Beau’s legacy would live on.  This bond united everyone that was involved and united all those that attend the dinner and played golf.  I don’t think anyone that attended the dinner will ever be the same again.  Our heartfelt thanks goes out to everyone that was involved in the planning, that volunteered at the dinner/golf tournament and to those that attended and gave so generously so that others will be helped.  Several people have already contacted Beau’s Buddies and let them know there are smaller fund raisers they would like to put on to raise money for the cause.  We let you know about these upcoming events in the weeks and months ahead.  God Bless!  We love you all.  Grammy

Good Evening All!!  Well, we’re just a few days away from Beau’s Buddies dinner and golf tournament.  The committee has been hard at work planning and organizing these events.  You don’t realize how much behind the scenes work it takes to make something like this happen until you are involved in it.  I have watched Jennifer, Debbie and all the rest work tirelessly day in and day out since this organization started and their dream for the golf tournament started taking shape.  They have worked hard to make these two events be top notch and something Beau would be proud of.  There have been so many people that have been helping them to secure items to auction off at the dinner – one big thank you to you all.  Kim Grizzard of the Daily Reflector has done two wonderful articles about our little firemen and Beau’s Buddies organization.  I had the pleasure of speaking with Kim last week and I could tell her heart had been touched by Beau’s story. She was so happy that she had been able to do the articles and felt an attachment to Beau as have so many that have gotten to know him through his websites and the stories people have told about him.  Thank you Kim, for caring about our little firefighter and for taking the time to do those two wonderful stories about him.  Jennifer said they received many calls after Monday’s article inquiring about the dinner.  If you haven’t visited beausbuddies.com lately, please do so.  There are pictures of the items to be auction off as well as some very touching stories of people who have also fought the battle with cancer.  Romans 10:8 “But what does it say? ‘The word is near you, on your lips and in your heart’ (that is, the word of faith that we proclaim).”  Sharing – I share inspiration of the heart in blessing others.  This bible verse and statement come from the Daily Word.  Beau’s Buddies will be blessing others thru this organization.  They will share God’s love and they will share their faith with the people they will help.  Many lives in Pitt County will be touched by this organization and Beau’s life will live on thru the things they do to help others. I know Beau is watching over them and will be with everyone at the dinner and at the golf tournament.  Don’t be surprised if the fire alarms go off at the dinner.  It will just be Beau saying “hey guys I’m here with you and thank you for coming.”  Just a side note before I close today.  On September 11, Fireman Lorenzo Abundiz of Code 3 For a Cure (http://www.code3foracure.com/)  was diagnosed with prostate cancer.  This is his third cancer diagnosis.  He beat the other two and they are confident he will beat this as well.  Auntie Nay sent him an email today and his wife emailed back that Beau’s picture that road across the US with them now sits on their mantel in their home.  I know Beau is watching over him as he goes thru this next journey.  Please keep Lorenzo in your prayers. Hope to see a lot of you at the dinner Sunday night.  God Bless!!  Love, Grammy

Good evening all!  I hope you have had a blessed day despite the rainy weather.  Our update today is twofold.  The pictures are from Beau’s visit last October to the main fire station on 5^th Street where Fireman Jake works.  Jennifer, Beau, Auntie Kelly, Grandma Miller, cousins Brianna and Kayla as well Kristen (Jake’s wife) were treated to a tour of the fire station and Beau got a special ride in the fire truck.  They put his car seat right up front on the passenger side and momma and daddy rode in the jump seats behind.  They took Beau all the way out Memorial Drive and back. Beau already loved firemen and fire trucks and this afternoon proved to be very special.  This visit was the beginning of a very special bond between Beau and Fireman Jake.  Jake became our hero over the next few months.  He and the other firemen at the main station as well as at other stations in Greenville became a part of Beau’s life and a part of his family.  Beau’s fire truck lead the processional the day of his funeral and four firemen in full dress uniform were Beau’s pallbearers.  These wonderful, courageous firemen will forever be a part of our family and will remain in our hearts for an eternity. This coming Saturday Firemen Jake and his buddies as well as Greenville/Pitt County’s finest (police) will be participating in a fundraiser for the Pitt County Dream Factory.  The Dream Factory grants dreams to children diagnosed with critical or chronic illnesses who are 3 through 18 years of age.  The fund raiser is called “Buzz the Red, White and Blue” and will be held at Jaycee Park auditorium on Cedar Lane this coming Saturday from 10 am until 2 pm. There will be a little carnival and “barber-que” where firemen and cops get together to shave their heads for the kids.  Please take a few and run by there to support these wonderful men and make a donation.  Fireman Jake and the wonderful firemen of Greenville gave Beau his dream that day and were there with him in his last moments and were there when he was laid to rest.  What can I say?  There are no words to express the gratitude and love Beau’s family feels for these wonderful men.  Job 2:11  They met together to go and console and comfort him.  Divine love comforts us and inspires us to be a compassionate friend to others.  Fireman Jake and the other firemen showed Beau and his family unconditional love.  We have no doubt God placed these wonderful men in Beau’s life just at the right time when he and his family needed them most.  As Auntie Nay said we will never look at firemen the same again.  Every time Auntie Nay and Grammy see a fireman we always say “there goes Beau’s buddy”.  Unconditional love is what God gives us and what He expects us to give to others.  Pay it forward you might say.  It will come back to you two fold.  Stay tuned for updates about the upcoming Beau’s Buddies dinner and golf tournament.  God Bless!  Love, Grammy

Good evening all!!  Hope you have had a wonderful Labor Day weekend.  It’s hard to believe summer is about over and fall is upon us.  I don’t know about you guys but I am glad to finally see a little cooler weather.  Keep in mind Beau’s Buddies golf tournament and dinner is only 3 weeks away.  I will be talking about that soon.  Our pictures today are from last summer during one of Beau’s stays in the hospital.  You’ve heard me talk about how much he loved fries, nuggets and MM’s.  He also loved cheerios.  He started out eating them dry as a snack but later when he had mastered holding and eating with a spoon he ate them with milk.  This particular day he decided he wanted cheerios and he wanted to feed himself.  Of course, he would end up with milk dribbling down his chin and usually cheerios in his lap.  If you tried to help him, he would get mad and push your hand away.  He was very independent and most of the time did not want any help.  1 Chronicles 16:34 O give thanks to the Lord, for he is good; for his steadfast love endures forever.  I look back at these pictures and my heart is filled with such joy and I thank God for giving us such a wonderful little boy. He may have been with us for only a short time but he blessed our lives in so many ways and continues to do so.  We are filled with such gratitude that God saw fit to give this precious little warrior fireman to our family.  The year long journey Beau’s family went through proved to be challenging and yet filled with many opportunities.  You might say opportunities how can you say that considering what you were going through.  It was through these tough times that we had the opportunity to share God’s love with others and let them see how God’s grace and mercy sustained us and helped us through each day.  We had the opportunity to get to know so many people we may never have met if we hadn’t of gone on this journey.  We had the opportunity to share what we were going through with others and to be of comfort to other families.  The later proved to be true recently.  One of the mom’s (Nay Nay’s mom) Jennifer got to know during Beau’s stay in the hospital found herself once again at PCMH but this time with her husband.  He had a blood clot in his brain and wasn’t doing well.  She was at the hospital alone for the moment and was in such distress.  She went to 2 West where she knew she would find loving people to help her and one of Beau’s nurses called Jennifer and asked her to come be with this mom.  Away Jennifer went and stayed with her until her family arrived.  Jennifer knew what this mom had already been through because she had lost her precious Nay Nay a month before Beau.  Now this mother was losing her husband and less than a year after losing her precious Nay Nay.  God used Jennifer that day and continues to use her and Parham as well as other members of Beau’s family.  Thank you God for your love and compassion and for showing us the way to share this love and compassion with others.  God Bless you all!   Love Grammy