August Adventures

August has been a busy but fun month. Saturday night we went out for a nice dinner to celebrate 3 months of being married. We found this great new little place downtown called "Josh's". It's awesome! Best creme brule I've had in a long time! We reflected on the summer and all of the discoveries, surprises, changes, and adjustments. Yes- We are still loving married life!

A few weeks ago we joined the Lieths for a little adventure in Lake Lure, which - for those of you who have seen the movie - is where "Dirty Dancing" was filmed. We were so disappointed to find that the old resort burned down and new stuff has been built in its place. But it was still fun to see the beach and the golf course. That happens to be a favorite movie of all the Lieth ladies, so it was a fun little touristy thing to do. Chimney Rock was right there on the way so we spent the rest of the rainy afternoon shopping around and seeing the sights.

FYI: It costs $14 per person to go up to Chimney Rock now! We passed on the expense and just observed from a distance. We were glad about our decision when a huge lightning storm started lighting up the sky.

Morgan, Samantha, and Beckie

Big Smiles

Hickory, NC, has a baseball team called the Crawdads. For fun we joined Jackson and Jen to go see a game the other night. Once again weather was a bit of a downer. I swear that I felt hail on the run back to the car before the 2nd inning was even over. As you can see, this was no quick summer shower...

Yesterday we celebrated Silas' first Price Park picnic, a Berry family tradition on summer Sundays. He was all set to wander around, check out the creek, and eat whatever anyone would feed him - the kid has a large appetite! He's so much fun and I am proud to have another nefew. Patrick has decided that he want to be called Uncle POTUS, so we tried to teach Silas. His response was to blow his lips making that Phbltt! sound. It was so funny!

September is looking pretty busy with a trip to TN for Labor Day, where we will hang out with Jake, Amber, and Emma. Then we have a bunch of stuff at AppState, and Judah and Kim's wedding... Can't wait to see everyone!

Saying Goodbye to a Dear Friend - Bev

This morning Patrick learned that his dear friend Beverly passed away after a long valiant battle against Cancer. She was a very special lady with a zeal for life that few ever find. We called her Patrick's "BMW Girlfriend" since it was their mutual love for the car that brought their paths together. She brought laughter into every conversation and made each moment of her life count. Below is the email Patrick wrote to a few after he found out. Please pray for the family and for Patrick. She will be Greatly missed by all who had the privilage of knowing her.

Sad Morning to you all, I just received this email concerning my close friend Bev. She has passed away and her services are to be held next week. I sit here, just waking up and not being able to see through my tears. Bev was a woman that defined reality, lived life, and brought peace to all of those around her. It sounds cheesy, but we met because of a car. She overcame her first stint with her cancer and got herself a reward, a beautiful red BMW z3. She has now lost her fight, but has won the war! I know she was a believer and now IS a witness to the mighty hand of God! Oh, how I envy her being able to sit beside her Father and praise him. You may remember Bev from your meeting her at the Asheville celebration for Chesed and I. She sat in the rockers and reveled in the bluegrass music.

I met Bev at BMW Homecoming in 2006 on Labor Day weekend. It is now 3 years later and it is amazing the loss I feel. She was a great lady. I find it one of my life's greatest blessings for her to have met my wife, Chesed Berry, during her last public outing before she went into assisted care. Many of you hear me discuss greatness, leadership, and changing the world. I find my inspiration in God and people like Bev Bruce. She rocked the world out. As this life was trying to put her down, she brought life into others. There is no greater joy than to have finished well. Bev finished WELL! Please pray for her family, her friends, and if you feel so inclined to attend a portion of the celebration, please let me know.

Finally, there are so many times like this in life where we can ask "why?" and God calls us to celebrate and change lives. I ask you to find a person, people, group, or something; and serve them, love them, and hold them. Do this weekly! God does it daily! I love each of you very dearly and thank you for your influence in my life and the future life with my wife!

-Patrick