This is the most difficult day of our lives. Meetings with the neurosurgeons, doctors, and nursing staff over the last two days concerning the extent of Branson's brain injury has been devastating to our family. It was fatal when they medevaced him to the hospital and his life was spared by only a few minutes. On the GCS scale of brain activity he was a minimum of 3 out of 15. Critical care, prayer and Branson's fight brought his number up to a mere 5. After prolonged efforts to bring him to a conscious state of 8 on the scale so he could wake up, he took a turn for the worse and dropped back to a 3. The best scenerio for Branson was dependent care for the rest of his life. He may never have come out of the coma, talked, or even understood. Branson loves life to the fullest. He has told us more than once: "If I'm ever in that condition, do not keep me on life support." We had to make the most difficult decision to withdraw it. We had the nurses and doctors' blessing with our decision. Tonight, Branson went home to be with our Lord. We cannot express the pain we are all feeling. We love Branson beyond comprehension. He is the joy and pride of our lives. We did not want to give him up as a son, brother, or friend. We understand better what the Father must have felt in giving up his one and only. Branson passed without pain. The Father watched His Son pass under the excruciating pain of being crushed as a sin sacrifice for us all. Though we understand better, it doesn't compare. God has proven a greater love for Branson than ours could ever be. We entrust Branson to His care which supersedes all earthly care. Your hearts and support have been heard from all over and have bombarded the gates of heaven with unending vigil on Branson's and our family's behalf. Words cannot express the deep felt gratitude and love we feel for you all. You have all showered us with your support and unending prayer. We feel such pride in Branson who is responsible for a lot of this. He has in you friends for life, and he made some of the best ones we could ever imagine. He never forgot one of you, and if he could speak today to all of us, he'd say: "Okay, enough of that crying, let's go snow boarding, wake boarding, long boarding, skate boarding, stretch some Saran Wrap across the road and do some community service. Let's play football, baseball, wiffel ball, wrestle, climb Mt. Marathon, Mt. McLoughlin, rock climb, go surfing, snow machining, wake boarding, play tennis, do some mountain biking, dirt biking, go dancing, see a concert, go to a Sun's or Coyote's game." And he always did it with friends- friends for life! He loves you all.
Shannon (sister) sent this text to us. She is bringing a new son into this world and can't be here with us.
I know that there is no greater gift than to spend an eternity with our Lord in paradise...B just had to get there first... He'd have just told us that he won... And that he beat us all...because of how fun and how beautiful his heart is.
We can't tell you enough how much you have all meant to us in this trial. We hope to never be the same, having known and loved this wonderful son, brother, and best friend.
-The Holm Family & Shelby Dietsch Family
Wow. The hope we have as Christians is truly an amazing and beautiful thing. Please continue to keep this family in your thoughts and prayers.
This is an amazing tribute to a young man. Thank you for sharing this. It gives me encouragement and inspiration to be all that I can be. LIVE life to the fullest. That is what Jesus said in regards our spiritual life as well.
ReplyDeleteMy prayers and deepest condolences to Branson's family and friends.I had the pleasure of knowing Branson during his time at DB.He never failed to brighten my day and I'm sure of many others.I am deeply touched as I know through losing my own son to a tragedy,this is the hardest loss for a parent.The Lord as we know has the ultimate plan and He is the only one that brings us comfort during this time.I may not have known Branson long but it seems clear to me that he did not leave without accomplishing his job,touching our lives and leaving a beautiful imprint that will make us smile everytime we remember him.
ReplyDeleteHi Rachel,
ReplyDeleteI did a google search for Branson Holm and found your blog. Branson worked at the Dutch Bros. coffee by my house. I go there almost everyday and deeply saddened to hear of his passing. Please send my deepest sympathy to his family. I wrote a blog about him also. Here is the link: http://insertstrokingoffakebeardhere.blogspot.com/2011/01/in-memory-branson-holm-by-mrs-taylor.html
Sincerely,
Beth