♫♪ On the road again ♪♫

We leave tomorrow night (after I get out of work) for Colorado Springs.  We'll meet my northern MI family in Muskegon and jump on the highway from there.  Our caravan will include 4 cars, 14 adults, and 8 kids ranging in age from 13 to 3 months.  The plan is to drive straight through, alternating drivers, on the trip there.  Our caravan back may play out a little different as a few people need to come home sooner and spending a few hours in a hotel hasn't been ruled out for the rest of us.  My hope is to go straight through and get back late in the afternoon next Tuesday.  We'll see...

The memorial will be a casual affair, more a gathering of family and close friends than a wake, so we've loaded our suitcases with jeans and khaki's per Susie's direction.  Dad will be doing the service part of things.  As the oldest son, he tends to lead the way in a lot of ways.  Being an ordained minister allows him to step in as a spiritual head as well.  We've been told that Chuck's favorite music will play constantly through the majority of the memorial; plenty of Merle and Johnny.  Chuck's favorite gospel song was Amazing Grace, so at some point Stephani, Leah, and I will be doing a three part harmony of the song accompanied by my cousin Lexi's husband Jesse.  It should turn out alright if we can keep our emotions in check.  Its always great to have the family together so our hope and prayer is that this trip, while obviously a bit more somber, will be a celebration of Chuck's life and legacy, as well as an opportunity to cherish the time we have together as a family.

We've been abundantly blessed by family and friends who've hugged us and prayed for and with us.  As we begin the journey west the prayers will continue and for that we are truly grateful.  Thank you for your thoughts, prayers, and compassion as I (with my family) grieve the loss of my uncle.

Charles Edward "Chuck" Kellogg

Chuck was born in Trumann, Arkansas and passed away at the Cancer Treatment Center of America in Tulsa, OK. Chuck was the retired, owner and operator of Jetway Liquor of Colorado Springs. He loved motorcycles and antique cars and was a member of several GMC Motor Home Clubs. He enjoyed restoring cars and motorcycles, taking trips with Susie, spending time with the grandchildren and hanging out with the guys at Apex Sports. He is survived by wife Susie Kellogg; daughters Robin (Mark) Nelson of Colorado Springs, Rona (Mike) Whiting of Colorado Springs; son Rodney (Jamie) Kellogg of Denver; grandchildren: Ian, Daniel, Chirstopher Nelson; Rosalie and Morgan Whiting; Jaycie, John, Jordynn and Jake Kellogg. Also survived by Mother-in-law Doris Turner of Ludington, MI; and his loyal companion, Chauncy. A celebration of Chuck's life will be held on Sunday, March 14 from 2-5 p.m. at the Chateau Apartments Clubhouse at 355 S. Union Blvd.

Saying Goodbye

My uncle Chuck lost his battle with cancer and went to be with the Lord at about 7:30 on Monday morning.  Its been a difficult week; coming to terms with the fact that he's gone, knowing what my aunt and cousins are going through, and making plans to head to a memorial service we prayed for three months wouldn't happen for another twenty years.  With coordination of ShoWest coming to a close, installation of the new KCBC missionary display in full swing, and maintaining the rest of my regular schedule; I feel like I was granted an emotional reprieve for a few days.  Now its Friday evening and other than a leisurely trip to Menards, I have no definite plans, so I'm taking a minute to be emotional.

The sun is slowly setting on a gorgeous March day as I look out the window.  I can't help but compare this closure of the day to the closure of my uncle's life.  Whereas dusk settles in slowly, Chuck's life was quickly cut short by a heinous disease that the world curses daily.  It is a disease that is no respecter of money, class, popularity, looks, or other health.  One that spreads slowly in some but aggressively in others.  Ultimately, a disease where a cure has not been found and many shattered lives lie in its wake.  Originally gall bladder cancer, when it was discovered in November, it had already metastasized to Chuck's liver.  Looking at the way events transpired, three months seems such a short amount of time to have the battle of his life; a sudden closure rather than a slow ebb.   

With the loss of Chuck, my family learns a new pattern of living.  Its been nearly 30 years since we lost my grandfather and otherwise our immediate family has remained intact; no deaths, divorce, or serious rifts.  I don't know if that's rare or common amongst families but I am grateful just the same.  Its just one of the many ways in which we've been blessed.  From what I've gathered, when grandpa died there were many painful firsts, moments where it took time to remember that things were in fact different, and even more moments tagged with "if only he were here to see this."  These things will be repeated with the loss of Chuck.  When the wound has healed and the scar has begun to age, there will be many times we will laugh when thinking of what Chuck's reaction would be to a certain situation, cry when we realize there should be one more person in attendance at an event, and smile as we look forward to the moment when we see him again; whole and healed.  We are what is left of those that go on before us and just as my grandmother grieves and yet finds comfort in seeing the way her family reflects her beloved husband's character, quirks, and interests, my aunt will find that her new pattern of life will remind her often of what a wonderful man she loved.


As I grieve with my family for the passing of a beloved husband, father, grandfather, brother, son, uncle, and friend, I can't help but think of family moments, taken for granted at the time but now treasured memories.  I encourage you to take a moment to make sure those you love know how you feel.  Let go of the petty family drama, because you will one day regret the wasted time, and instead grasp hold of the shoulder or hand of those closest to you and thank God for the moments you have remaining.  You never know how many of them there will be.

Ae