CHRISTMAS IN HEAVEN

I am wondering what Christmas in Heaven is like
as I am alone and pray,
Longing for one who has gone before
to spend Christmas in Heaven today.

And so in my dreams, I wonder far
From the scenes and sounds of earth
'Till I catch the strains of the Heavenly choir
As they sing of the Christ Child's birth.

The Angels and Saints I vision there
As they join in the festal day,
And there 'mid the throng is my loved one
Spending Christmas in Heaven today.

There's joy in the faith that teaches,
When our life's work here is done,
Of a place in Heaven awaiting,
And the crown we worked for is won.

In our grief may we learn well the lesson
So to work and suffer and pray,
As to share the joys of our loved one
And to spend Christmas together some day.

Thanks to Patty Streets,
mother of Betsy Streets, a friend of Blake's,
who sent this poem to Jill and Fred.

BLAKE'S DAD

Blake, when I watch OU games now, I remember how excited you were when I sent you tickets to a couple games last year. After you saw your first OU game, you called me and told me it was the greatest event you'd ever been to. It made me so happy that you were experiencing what thousands of college kids experience every Saturday. Just a brief note for now to remind you again how incomprehensible it is to me ~ to all of us ~ that you aren't with us to enjoy fall Saturday afternoons, cookouts, and Sooner football games. We love you so much, and you will live in our hearts forever. Love eternal, Dad.

September 16, 2008

How sad it is to walk the path of daily life experience without the physical presence of the ones we hold so dear … what a brutal lesson.  Today Blake, we will live for you.  We will laugh for you.  We will cry for you.  We will love for you, and we will keep going for you.  In doing these things, you in turn teach us the splendor of the spirit we each reflect. It is our responsibility to maintain a radiant flame.

October 2, 2008

BLAKE'S DAD

It's cloudy in Tulsa today. And as I do every day, I open this site to not just stare at what was and what could've been, but to remember all the moments I had with Blake that will be with me forever; the ones I remember when we weren't always talking, but we were just close. I didn't know it then, but now I know they were all gifts he gave to us just by being Blake. Watching him open Christmas presents; driving behind me in the used Camry we had just bought for him on his 16th birthday; sitting next to him in a golf cart; and having all those wonderful hours I'll always cherish driving him to and from Florida in 2006. There's so many more memories, and in time, I'll share them with you, as I see this site being the one window to the world to keep the memory of this beautiful boy alive for as long as I can. Please, always keep him in your prayers, and pray that he'll be waiting to welcome us on to his dance floor. Love eternal, Blake.

October 15, 2008

CAROLYN ARKISON

A lovely quote from the book titled Walking with Grandfather states: “There are many trails on the overall journey that is life, and there are many who travel a trail with us, sometimes briefly.  But all the travelers we encounter on our journey have something to teach us.”  I believe that Blake had much to teach us during his brief hike.  I, for one, am very grateful for the things that he shared.  Many blessings, Blake, as your journey continues upon new pathways.  We’ll all have much to share with you when we make it to the other side.

October 21, 2008

BLAKE'S DAD

December 12, 2008

CAROLYN ARKISON

It's so hard to believe that one year has passed since Blake left and wow, what a year it has been … a year of intense honesty, introspection and contemplation ... not just for those of us who love and care so much for Blake but for the world as a whole. Thank you Blake that while the world may appear to have much chaos, you left us with many, many memories of laughter, life and most important ... love. We may visit those memories when anguish abounds and we may laugh together with your memory. That's the awesome gift you gave to each of us. Dance in the LIGHT for us Blake until we meet again!

December 19, 2008

BLAKE'S DAD

Many thanks to the countless friends and family members who reached out to Jill, Lauren, Linda and myself during this past weekend. Your kindness and heartfelt condolences mean so much to us, especially this time of year when the dates on the calendar remind us of where we were when. No matter what the date, our love for Blake, your love for Blake, is always a silent prayer away. May all of you have a very Merry and Blessed Christmas. There is absolutely no doubt in my mind that Blake will, and he would want the same for you. Love eternal, Blake.

December 22, 2008

RON LUCAS

Even though I had never met Blake...or spoken to his father and  mother for many years I cannot overcome
the great sadness they must carry. It is our prayer for them life has become a little easier. With each
beautiful tribute their is hope and joy too.

I had the wonderful priviledge of working with his father years ago. As I read the tributes and see the
many happy moments their son shared with all his friends, great pride must swell within his great father
Fred and wonderful mother, Jill.

The weight of life must be beyond measure when you lose someone you helped create through your love and
nurturing. You can take so much comfort in knowing God had a special hand in his life too. Each of his
friends and family can surly have rest and peace in knowing he has not changed...he is just away from the
many who loved and cared for him.

May God bless and keep each of you. I am sure all of you would agree...your are much better off for
knowing Fred and Jill's son Blake.

January 12, 2009

CAROLYN ARKISON

Driving to work this morning, Blake was on my mind.  It's a cold, overcast, 14 degree day outside with snow 
flurries dancing across the concrete on the highway.  Blake's birthday is just a few days away and it hardly 
seems possible, still, that his body is not here to celebrate with friends and family ... but his memory 
is ever-present and the laughter and vitality of his precious spirit ring through the ethers of eternity.  
We miss your physical presence Blake, just as much as ever, but remain ever grateful and comforted 
by the privilege of having known and experienced the wonder and the essence of YOU.

January 15, 2009

KRISTA KEUCHEL

Fleshy,

Hey Bud!! Happy New year!! I know we would have been party’in it up with you New Year’s eve, but instead 
you are shining your bright smile to everyone up there! I wanted to let you know I saw your dad at church 
on Christmas eve. He looked great! I can’t believe it has already been a year! I know you are watching down 
over all of us and know that not a day goes by that we don’t think about your love, compassion and laughter. 
You always brightened our day! We love you more than you will ever know!!! Miss you crazy Blakester!!!

Love, all of us!

January 18, 2009

 
BLAKE’S DAD

Today was Blake's 24th birthday. Where Blake rests, Jill and I released 24 balloons into the heavens, looked 
away for only a moment, and like an illusion,they were gone. I can only pray that Blake grabbed them and read 
the notes we had written on them. Returning home, Linda and I watched the video that my friends at Avcom had 
beautifully produced for Blake's tribute. It was the first time I had seen it since December 27, 2007, and it made 
me realize yet again how fortunate we all were to experience Blake's God-given gifts of love, kindness, compassion, 
and most of all, his indelible sense of humor. Happy Birthday, Blaker. We miss you terribly. You are indeed, 
a Beautiful Boy! Love eternal, Blake, Dad.

January 20, 2009 (Blake’s 24th Birthday)

CAROLYN ARKISON

I am currently reading the book, THE SHACK, by William Young.  A quote from the book states:  ~So many believe that it is love that grows, but it is the knowing that grows and love simply expands to contain it.  Love is just the skin of knowing.~  I believe that each of us that frequent this site can agree that this experience of losing Blake in the physical realm has increased our knowing and expanded the love.  Thanks Blake!

February 20, 2009

KATHERINE GAEDE

Hey Blake! I was just thinking about you today and thought I would say hi! Miss you everyday and still can't believe you are not with us, but I know we will meet you again. Love you Blake!

 February 22, 2009

BLAKE’S DAD

One of the greatest treasures I possess are the emails that went back and forth from my computer to my son's. I was never certain when he would write back, and his unpredictability was his predictability. So when I saw his name pop up on my screen, I was elated. And to be perfectly candid, I was happy even if it wasn't always good news. I just loved connecting with him -- as I do with Lauren. My memories and his own words will be his legacy to me and to all those who love him. He would always sign off, "Love ya pops!" Love eternal, Blake.

 March 19, 2009

CAROLYN ARKISON

This whole mystery of time and experience, birth and death, sorrow and elation, provide much to ponder.  While time continues to tick into weeks, months, years, the moments of experience remain frozen within a myriad of memories.  Blake came, he spent time, rebounded between sorrow and elation, left many of us with significant memories and experiences ... and then he left.  It would seem that his lesson for us in this is ... the little things matter very much.  Blake unknowingly was a master of "little things."  He left each of us with the opportunity to consider the little things within our own life experience and then to savor the gift hidden within each little thing.

 April 14, 2009

DUSTINGRIFFIN

Blaker,  Today is April 16th and I know you know but its my birthday today! I can’t help but recollect all the awesome birthdays you and I spent together over the years! I honestly think there was never a year growing up that we didn't spend the night at each other's house, laying and laughing amongst a huge fluff pallot! haha! I know you are with me today, as you are with all the people whom love and care about you as much as I did! There still isn't a day that goes by where I am not reminded of you in some shape or fashion! You are an amazing man who touched so many people! I miss you bro!

 -Sty, April 16, 2009

BOBALU

 Blake,  I was thinking about you last weekend when I was packing up my tent and telling some neighbor kids about the time I set it up in your house for you and Lauren to play in.  I know your dad and mom miss you greatly but have thoughts of how proud they are of you and your  spirit and smile live with them everyday. 

Bob Mathes, April 29, 2009

BARRETT ROUSH

Well Blake, the time has finally come!  I'm graduating!  Man I wish you were walking next to me and we could finally start that business we always talked about.  Not a day goes by that I'm not reminded of you and your laughter.  I know you will be right there with me on Saturday so no worries my man...-Barrett

May 12, 2009

TERRY FLEISCHNER

Blake,

I think of you quite often and remember all the fun you and I had when you lived with us, me and your Uncle Robert.  

I remember the time your Dad and Uncle Robert went to Las Vegas and you stayed home with me.  Well, they're 

doing it again...Vegas bound!  You brought so much into our home, laughter, joy and

youth!  You are loved and missed each and every day...Love you!

May 25, 2009

CAROLYN ARKISON

Recently, while reading a novel, Animal Dreams by Barbara Kingsolver, the following words jumped off the page, 

screaming to be posted here:  “You don’t choose your road for the reward at the end, but for the way it felt as you 

went along.~ The very least you can do in your life is to figure out what you hope for.”  This immediately made me 

think of Blake because he had such a natural gift of making others feel loved, alive and noticed in a given moment.  

The second part, “what you hope for,” can be a bit more tricky.  I think Blake would urge each one of us to keep it 

simple, love for the sake of the given moment and live each experience as if it is the last.  Bless you Blake as you 

continue to touch our lives!

June 23, 2009

BLAKE’S DAD

As many of Blake's friends will attest, Blake loved to dance. He was an entertainer in every sense of the word, and 

dance was just one of his many gifts. A very good friend of mine sent me an email today that was emotionally moving, 

and made me think of my son. The closing line in the email said, "Life isn't about how to survive the storm, BUT how 

to dance in the rain." Surviving the storm of Blake's passing will be forever difficult, but I'm confident Blake is happy 

knowing we're all trying our best to dance in the rain. Love eternal, Son.

June 23, 2009

CAROLYN ARKISON

Blake ... surely you never realized, when you walked this Earth beside us, that we would miss you so terribly.  Your 

gentle presence is still as strong as ever yet we continue to miss you so.  May peace that passes understanding 

forever abide within your precious spirit.  Indeed, "love eternal," is the is the way that you lived ... that lives still.  We 

love you Blake!  

July 30, 2009

BLAKE’S DAD

In a very clear and memorable dream the other night, I found Blake wrestling like a bear cub with some friends 

from St. Mary's and Bishop Kelley. His good friends. He was surprised that I'd be surprised to find him. It was 

the type of dream that gave me a rush of adrenalin and elation like none I've had since those dark days in 

December. Don't be alarmed. I'm not going to try to explain the dream as a phenomenon or a "visit". I would 

never be so presumptuous. It was just a dream. Pure and simple. But it was in living color and I remembered 

every aspect of it when I awoke. I'm sharing it for only one reason.  When you lose someone you love so deeply 

and unconditionally, from that very moment, you want so desperately to know that it's going to be alright. Well, 

for the very first time, I think it's going to be alright. So much, Blake. So very much. 

~ Dad 

September 1, 2009

MEREDITH BUSH

This is the first time I am writing on here or the Facebook group.  For some reason I could not do it before, but 

I know the more people that speak of their kind thoughts and fabulous memories of you the more comfort your 

family will have. You are and will always be someone who shook my world, for the better.  For the short time 

I knew you, you changed my world. I hope that through these messages people have written, your family is 

comforted.  You told me secrets and dreams and I hold them dear to my heart.   I will keep them sacred and 

remember your beautiful smile always. I was lucky to know you, as so many were.  It amazes me, the profound 

impact you had on so many lives.  I never regret one moment spent with you and Lindsey and I still have many 

laughs about your great stories, the dreams you told and the life you shared.  You brought something wonderful 

to my life, everyday I think of you and although some days my stomach aches because you are gone, the pain 

quickly goes because I know someone or something needed you to go...needed you to watch over us and 

needed you to teach us all to live each day as if it were our last. I hope we are learning as much as you are 

still teaching.

Love always,

Mere