A Shared Story

Photo by Zlatko Batistich

www.zlatkobatistich.com

Every week I find myself reading an email one of Gregory's friends sent me the day after he passed away. I wanted the courage to read it during Gregory's funeral service, but courage was not there. So I am sharing it today instead....

From Jim Olen:
I wrote this note to Gregory the other day - I thought you might like to read it as well.
And if there is a place where memories and thoughts are shared, please feel free to add this to the collection.

Be well, Paige. And stay strong. - Jim


Greg-

Of all souls who have been in and out of my life over the decades, it was yours that had the greatest and most impact on me. You shared with me one-of-a-kind experiences, taught me life-lasting lessons, and co-created more no-one-will-ever-believe-this stories than we could ever fit within the covers of a book. You showed me, step by step, the correct (and sometimes not-so-correct) ways to squeeze every last drop out of life, leaving regret at the proverbial doorstep. You introduced me to a legion of wonderful people, to the singular joy of a great single malt, and to a side of my own creativity to which was lying in quiet repose just waiting for an invitation to come out and play.

But maybe most of all, you showed me why getting permission - at times - is highly overrated. And that a good idea bows to no one.

I will never forget you, Pruitt, for all that you were then, and for all that you became since. Go in peace, my old friend, and just know that you live on in those who you touched. And one day, I'll meet you at the Chelsea Hotel once again, and we'll debate about the topics of your choice - until sunrise and beyond. Cocktails are on me.

- Jim

A Note From Facebook - May 13, 2010

Photography by Zlatko Batistich
www.zlatkobatistich.com

Hello again to everyone. Well yesterday marked what seems like an eternity. Two months has passed by, we are still in shock... healing is slow.
We still ask why...

Again, I turn to my faith and know that I can trust in God and His word: "God of all grace, who called you to His eternal glory in Christ, after you have suffered a little while, will Himself restore you and make you strong, firm and steadfast". 1 Peter 5:10

It is okay for us to not understand, to hurt, have questions, even be mad. Even to not understand God in all of this. Gregory began his journey seeking and accepting the Lord over 5 years ago, I gain so much comfort knowing that he is okay and I will see him again.

My prayer:
Sovereign God, we have so many "whys". But, nothing will change no matter how many times we ask. We don't understand this. We don't understand You. I realize I am not meant to. You, God, are high above all, and we must give our questions to You, once and for all. Heal our hearts, help us be comforted in knowing that Gregory is in a joyous place. Lead us, Lord, in your way, truth and life. Thank you for our grace and faithfulness. In Your Son's name I pray, Amen.

Bendecidos -
Paige

Childhood Memories

Photography by Paige Pruitt-Haase

Growing up we moved a lot. Not just to new homes, but to different cities or even states. We had long stints, 2 years, sprinkled in, but for the most part, Gregory and I had to recreate our lives annually. We were always the "new kids" in school and on the block. It was easy to be someone different everywhere we landed.

One of my best memories is from a time where Gregory and I were still dependent on each other, not only as siblings but as friends. We always had sort of rivalry, but it was the kind that made you competitive on the tennis court, in the swimming pool and skateboarding.

We had just moved to Greenville, SC. The smallest town we had ever lived in. It was miles, and days away from the comfort of our life in Texas. Yes, a culture shock! People took the time to smile and say hello. Neighbors introduced themselves and welcomed us, like family. I felt that Gregory and I had finally felt the opportunity to just be ourselves. We did not have to create new identities, people accepted us just as we were!

We never had problems making friends, we were just afraid to get close to people. It was too painful at the end of the year, saying good-bye to those friends as we moved along to the next place. But, in Greenville we let our guard down. Let people become a part of our lives. We had a blast, freeing our hearts and minds. Gregory discovered his passion for golf, I lived for tennis.

I had always looked up to my brother even before we moved to South Carolina, but it was there that I knew I could count on him for anything. He protected me from family matters, he stood up for me at school, he complemented all that I tried to accomplish. Don't get me wrong, he also did hurtful big brother stuff, like destroy my Barbie collection, kicked me out of his room when his friends were there. Things like that. I look at those times and truly forgive - he had to take out his frustrations on something! So I gladly give him the Barbie collection for the times that he stood between me and danger...

It makes my heart smile when I remember all the times that Gregory would challenge me to eat dirt, do a back flip in the grass, reach into a hole in the ground and keep your hand there to the count of 10, strap my feet to a skateboard with electrical tape and go down the BIG hill. Yes, he taught me to "take it to the limit". Even a "friendly" game of tennis turned in to our own Wimbeldon Challenge.

We lived in Greenville for two full school years.

Those were two really good years!

My Brother

I began going to Grief Share. I felt that I did not deserve to have so much grief still. I am learning that I am purely human and not that super person I thought I always was. I was the one who is suppose to be strong and unaffected by such things. I was raised with a "get over it" attitude. Don't show any weakness...

Losing my brother has broken me. I guess you could say that it's kind of a good thing. I have learned to let go of so many things. Some things are just NOT important to waste time on, while other things are extremely important to become a part of. I have gained truly wonderful realtions with people I knew before, but just didn't have the "time" to stay in touch with, and people that are new to my life. All are special, and are now treasured. We have one main component in our lives in common... Gregory.

He touched all of our lives in such a way, that he made each one of us an important part of his life, no matter what "time" he had. Friends and family have shared stories of how Gregory was in the epicenter of life changing decisions in their lives, all different situations, yet very much the same outcome. He encouraged us all to go for those dreams, set those goals, live your life. Plus, he was always there to keep cheering us on.

I love my brother, I am thankful for everything he did for me. Everyday, I feel I was the luckiest little sister, blessed with such an incredible person as a big brother. I grew up with him, learned about life with him, we shared the world, we even have stories our parents never heard about.

I find myself asking things out loud, as if he were in the next room. I see his face on other drivers on my way to work. Sometimes I can hear his voice. He is everywhere.

I miss him, even more today than yesterday, I always will...