Here’s to you

Posted on 31. Dec, 2009 by Brett in Etc

Here’s to wrestling matches on the floor

Here’s to football games in Tuscaloosa

Here’s to Braves games on the couch

Here’s to Wilson Dam little league

Here’s to cotton fields and arrowhead hunts

Here’s to Yoo-hoo, bottle only

Here’s to not wanting to be mentioned in your sermons

Here’s to that time you apologized for that thing you said

Here’s to integrity…

And your love

Here’s to elegance in death

Here’s to final hours

Here’s to tears of pain and tears of joy

9 years later

Here’s to you, dad.

Thanks.

June 21, 1949 – Dec. 31, 2000

10 Responses to “Here’s to you”

  1. Ryan Rigby

    31. Dec, 2009

    Powerful.

  2. Michael

    31. Dec, 2009

    Brett,

    Thanks for this – very moving, really beautiful. Brings a flood of thankfulness into my heart for my dad.

    I knew you had lost your dad, but didn’t realize how the timing might strike me so personally.

    Nine years ago tomorrow – the day after your dad passed away – Jesus brought a dead 18-year-old Michael Smith to life. I spend every New Year’s Eve & Day reflecting on the goodness and mercy of God. Now I know that you do as well.

    That phrase “elegance in death” really strikes me.

    Nine years ago, you were watching a godly man die well – and I was about to start learning what that means.

    In one sense I know these two events are totally unrelated, but in God’s purposes, who knows how intertwined they might be.

    God bless you B-Trapp. Thanks for this amazing post, and a great opportunity for reflection and thankfulness.

  3. Jason Clotfelter

    31. Dec, 2009

    Here’s to you Dr. Trapp! Your legacy lives on.

  4. Rachel

    31. Dec, 2009

    Wow. 9 years.
    Big hug, Brett.

  5. Jon Smith

    31. Dec, 2009

    Awesome post, Brett. I’m praying for you today, and praying I can leave half the legacy to my daughter that your dad left you to you. Thanks brother.

  6. Mike Tew

    31. Dec, 2009

    Great Tribute to a Most Godly man. I knew your dad when I lived in the Shoals area. He was truly my pastor as was your mother. They were true ministers to me. I called your dad when I needed a confident conversation. I still use some of the things he said in my classes.

  7. Deb Colston

    31. Dec, 2009

    Dearest Brett! What a way to bring honor to your Dad. He will always be memories of one of the most Godly men I have ever had the blessing of being around and getting to know through a dear friendship as we all grew together in ministry and in service to the One who Loves us the most, Jesus Christ. Thanks so much for posting this. Mike and I will always remember his homecoming because it falls on our anniversary. We love you all so very much! Have a wonderful Jesus filled New Year to come.

  8. Leslie Willard

    31. Dec, 2009

    Love you Brett.

  9. Jaime McBrayer Richardso

    31. Dec, 2009

    Wow, you know, your dad had a lot to do with my choice of becoming a speech therapist. I know his speech was a very noticeable sign of his disease and I know it must have been very frustrating for him as he was such a fantastic speaker. I will always remember his smile and fun sense of humor. I never saw him angry and he always had time for everyone. I don’t think I was ever able to tell you how much your families strength amazed me. Only in this past year have I realized the importance of spiritual awakening and truly listening to God’s soft voice. I believe your dad is preaching away in heaven and spreading smiles to everyone around him. I can’t wait to see people like your dad in heaven and tell him thank you!!!!! God bless your family!
    Jaime

  10. Todd Stanfield

    29. Jan, 2010

    Brett,

    Your Dad brought me closer to God in so many ways. There is one particular sermon that stands out for me though. He talked about how we are like glasses filled to the brim with water. When we are shaken, whatever is in the glass spills out of us, and it often lands on those around us. He talked about how God wants to fill us with His Spirit, but we can’t receive it because our glass is already filled with something else. He added that what spills out of our glass when we are shaken is a good indicator of what is filling our glass. The Lord spoke to me through this about how much anger I had in my life. Anger that I honestly had never recognized or expressed. This was a big milestone in my life, and is a central theme in much of my work to this day. Bill helped me realize that our emotions are God-given gifts, and we can’t repress them. We have to give them to our heavenly Father, be honest, and allow Him to bring healing. Anyway, I enjoyed your this post, and enjoy reading your tweets as well. Keep up the good work.

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