Memories of Bubba

I think my first memory of Bubba is from a slumber party at Belinda's house. We must have been in 6th or 7th grade which would of course maKe Bubba in 8th or 9th grade. I remember Bubba hanging out with us the whole night. He was part of the group. He watched movies with us, played all the slumber party games that we played then and he even slept out in the front room with us.

When we were in high school and my best friend, Jenni, decided it would be fun to get me drunk for my 16th birthday (which I don't recommend), Bubba was there. We went to "The White House". I don't remember much of the night, but I do remember that Bubba was there making sure that we were safe and made it home okay. He even resisted the advances of one girl who was very intoxicated.

I have other flash memories of him in band, in the hallways at school, in his truck around town...and when I remember him, I can't help but smile because that was what he always did. He had the remarkable ability to fit in with any crowd (even his sister's pre-teen friends), take care of those in need, not take unfair advantage in situations and make people smile and feel good about themselves.

I would like to share a poem with you called "The Rose Beyond the Wall"

The Rose Beyond the Wall
by A.L. Fink
Near shady wall a rose once grew,
Budded and blossomed in God's free light,
Watered and fed by morning dew,
Shedding its sweetness day and night.
As it grew and blossomed fair and tall,
Slowly rising to loftier height,
It came to a crevice in the wall,
Through which there shone a beam of light.

Onward it crept with added strength,
With never a thought of fear or pride;
It followed the light through the crevice-length
And unfolded itself on the other side.
The light, the dew, the broadening view,
Were found the same as they were before;
And it lost itself in beauties new,
Breathing its fragrance more and more.

Shall claim of death cause us to grieve
And make our courage faint or fall?
Nay, let us faith and hope receive;
The rose still grows beyond the wall,
Scattering fragrance far and wide,
Just as it did in days of yore,
Just as it did on the other side,
Just as it will forevermore.


I know that Bubba is now "blooming" on the other side just as he did here and will continue to do in the hearts of those who knew him.

Michelle (McCauslin) Lalanne