My friend Bern

On the same day that we all heard about the Connecticut shooting, I also learned that a dear High School friend, Bern Kellogg, had passed away in a tragic work accident.  Both of these tragedies really shook me and have caused me to reflect on my life and all that I have to be grateful for.

I wasn't able to attend the funeral for Bern because it was in California, but his parents had a memorial in our hometown last weekend for close friends and family.  I'm so grateful I was able to be a part of that- it was a celebration of his life, a time to share favorite memories and pictures.  We laughed and reminisced and shared stories all evening long.

(Brian, Jessica, me, Hollis)

It's been many years since I have talked to or even seen Bern, but when I think back to High School and all of the wonderful memories I have from that time, he is a huge part of them.  I was fortunate to have a large group of friends to run around with on the weekends. We always had lots of fun doing all sorts of creative activities- none of them involving alcohol which was quite unusual.  Some of my favorite memories are mud football, ice blocking, organized food fights, flashlight tag in the orchards, dragging a wig across the dark streets and watching cars slam on their brakes, rolling in snow and then jumping in our hot tub, fitting 19 people in our hot tub, pool parties, watching Bern eat crayons while waiting an insanely long time for our food at Red Robin, scavenger hunts, kissing rugby, visiting the ghost, roasting marshmallows, hiking Pallouse Falls, ice skating, and so much more.

Bern and Brian were the ones to organize our fun.  They would make a plan and then call everyone to let us know where and when to meet.  Bern was the kind of guy everyone liked to be around.  He was genuine, cared about everyone, and you couldn't help buy have fun if Bern was around - he was the life of the party.  I pulled out my high school scrapbook to show my children pictures of Bern and in every single one he is making some sort of silly face or is doing something crazy.  But that was Bern - just plain FUN!

One of my favorite pictures of Bern and Brian.  It was Brian's birthday and we dressed him up and took him out for dessert.  

This picture was taken after playing in the rain.

Jessica, Bern, Rachael, Me, Shannon, Shannon's friend

I'll bet you didn't know you could blow up a latex glove on your head with your nose.  

Bern, Mandi, Brian and I shopping at the mall, I think we dressed up just to catch people staring at us, but of course we acted like this was totally normal.  We are standing right in from of Mrs. Fields Cookies where I used to work.  

Here is a more serious pose of Bern and a bunch of our guy friends.  Bern is front and center, my brother Chris is on the far right in the front.

..but they couldn't be serious for too long.

Graduation!

Bern did have a serious side to him though.  He loved God and treated everyone kindly.  Bern cared about people and had a way of making everyone feel good no matter what the situation.  Bern took missionary discussions in my home surrounded by a large group of friends who loved and encouraged each other to be Christ-like.  My parents loved Bern and noticed how he and many others would stay after a late gathering to clean up, and Bern always made a point to say Thank You.  Bern was voted Mr. Personality and he was the Prom King our senior year.  One time all of my family was out of town except for my dad and knowing that he might be lonely, Bern stopped by to visit him.  He stayed for over an hour talking and keeping him company.  That's just how Bern was.

My heart aches knowing that Bern is gone.  He left behind a wife and four beautiful children, and many family members and friends who loved him dearly.  I'm grateful that I was able to have Bern for a friend and I know that his friendship helped me in becoming the person that I am today.  High School is a time in life when you are unsure of who you are and are faced with so many decisions that can change the course of your life.  I feel so blessed to have had such a wonderful group of friends, Bern - and so many others.  My life is better because of your friendships!