Celebration
Hello Brutton blog readers.
I am overwhelmed at the response to our little blog. Yesterday, it was viewed over 8000 times! I am once again humbled and honored that God would use our family in this way.
I realize that I don’t know 8000 people so many who read this blog have never met me, or may not know me very well. Well, let me tell you a something about myself – I am a sports guy. I watch sports. I read about sports. I have even been known to shed a tear or two because of a sporting event. (Don’t judge me. It’s okay for men to cry about sports. Really. It’s not weird at all.)
One of my favorite things about sport is the celebration of a big win. The crowd goes wild and the players rush the field with pure joy. When a championship is won, an entire city celebrates. People flood the streets and it is all anyone talks about for a few days. There are parades, parties and rallies.
Well guess what. 
Kathy just won the biggest championship that could ever be won.
Guess what else.
We’re gonna celebrate!!!
The next two days are not going to be somber. We will celebrate Kathy’s life and how God is using her to still further his kingdom. We will hug. We will laugh. We will cry tears of joy.
We will also cry tears of sorrow because while our spirits rejoice for Kathy, our hearts break because she is separated from us . . .for now.
And you know what? Both kinds of tears are okay.
One last word about tomorrow. Kathy and I decided that we would do this a bit different. Since our children are young, they may not have a lot of memories about who their mom really was. In order to provide them with a snapshot into her life, I need to ask a favor of you. At church tomorrow there will be a room with a video camera. If you feel comfortable with it, please go in and share a bit about who Kathy was to you. There will be someone there to help with the operation of the camera and some general guidelines. Please share who you are, how you knew Kathy, and the impact she had on your life. Feel free to share a funny story about her, or something that would make her nostrils flare!! Remember, this is a celebration!!!
I am convinced that this will be blessing to her children in the future. It will give them living memories of their mother. My plan is to watch the video with them on Kathy’s birthday every year, but we may do it more often than that.
Since we are talking about the kids, one last thing before I go. Last night, the kids and I found ourselves alone in the house at bedtime. They had been playing with their cousins all evening, so they were a bit wound up and were getting a little loud. As we were heading to the steps to get ready for bed, I stopped them and told them to quiet down. And then something struck me. I turned to the kids and got their attention. I said “You know what, we’ve had to be pretty quiet in this house for the last few weeks. When I count to 3, I want you to yell as loud as you can!” I counted to three. They yelled. They screamed. They giggled. They yelled some more. They were joyful. I followed them up the steps, and at that moment, I knew we were going to be just fine.
Thanks for reading, and I hope to see you tomorrow.
Mark Mays said,
November 17, 2010 at 2:00 pm
Mike, thank you for allowing us to be a part of this journey. Your faith continues to be an encouragement to all. Much love, Mark
Christine Butler (Gingers friend) said,
November 17, 2010 at 2:00 pm
Mike, I don’t know you or your wife or kids.. well, not in person anyway. But know you through the blog and through the wonderful person that is Ginger – what an amazing family you are – God, you, Kathy and the kids. I don’t want to sound all ‘full of’ who knows what, but by reading the blog, reading your struggles, your joys, reading about your relationships with God, you guys have brought me closer to God – I can’t say how specifically, I just am. 8000 posts huh, pretty amazing stuff! God’s got another Great woman by His side. Hang in there, I’m still praying for you, the kids and your families. Enjoy the celebrations!
Tracy Eckert Wolz said,
November 17, 2010 at 2:05 pm
Michael Brutton – So I’m one of those 8,000 people who read your blog yesterday…for the first time. A friend of a friend had posted the link. I had to see if it was the same Michael Brutton from my Hayden Hill days. I knew immediately it was. I am so saddened by your loss, but uplifted by your strength. My prayers are with you and your family.
Heather Allen said,
November 17, 2010 at 2:07 pm
MIke, your strength amazes me! I am touched by your honesty through all of this. Thank you for sharing this journey with all of us. It has made me realize how much we take each breath for granted, we never know which will be our last. I wish that you didn’t have to go through this, but I know God has a plan. His plan is perfect and because of that I know you will all be ok. He will carry you through this. I am ready to celebrate Kathy in all of the craziness that was her
We love you guys!!
Sarah Frederick said,
November 17, 2010 at 2:36 pm
Mike, I will not be able to make it back to StL for the celebration this week, but I would like to contribute to the video, if possible. I will be in town at Christmas, and I may be there next week for Thanksgiving. Please email me or contact me through Facebook. You are all in my prayers.
Love, “Rosegrant”
Ellie said,
November 17, 2010 at 2:36 pm
Mike you just gave the word hero a new definition. My heart will forever have your family in it. She was the best and has truly brought out the best in you. Her nostrils will really flare when I say you might give her a run for her money in this blogging thing you are doing. This just might be the best one yet!!!
Joy Booth said,
November 17, 2010 at 2:54 pm
In the great words of Abbey (my 6 year old)..
Miss Kathy is having a party with God up there. She can have as much ice cream as she wants and not get sick. Also, dogs don’t chase cats up there and dogs won’t get sick from eating chocolate in heaven.
Oh what great insight! Party on Kathy!! What a blessing your Happy Little Family is to us.
Alicia said,
November 17, 2010 at 3:18 pm
I LOVE the video idea! What an amazing gift for your children!
Victoria Halbert said,
November 17, 2010 at 3:21 pm
You are truely amazing!!! God is working wonders with you and Kathy you should be proud.
Jill Strange said,
November 17, 2010 at 3:44 pm
Hi Mike. I am one of the people who you do not know. But I feel like I do. I have been sharing your story and message with everyone I know. I have been changed forever through your example of strength and faith. I am someone who could have a better relationship with God and you and Kathy have reminded me that I need to revisit that relationship and strengthen it. In 2008 I was pregnant with my first child and during that year lost my father to Cancer and 5 other close family members to a variety of illnesses. I found myself wondering “why” this was happening to me and it was my faith in God’s plan that kept me going. Thank you for reminding me how good He is and how Big He is. I am amazed at how this Blog is spreading your story and His word. He is truly using your family to spread his word, that much is clear. I know how proud and amazed you must be to see the impact your family is having on the world. Nothing is better than making a difference in the world and making the world a better place, and that is just what you, Kathy and the kids are doing! Thank you for your strength and eloquent words. I’m sorry I wasnt so lucky to know Kathy or your family; I wish I did. But I feel very blessed to share this with you and to change my life for the better as a result of “knowing” you. From the bottom of my hear, THANK YOU KATHY!
Pam Hermens said,
November 18, 2010 at 3:35 pm
I totally agree with Jill & Andrea and many others. I have shared this story many times throughout your journey too and it has definitely kept me in continual prayer for Kathy, you and your families. May God hold you all tighly to Him in the next days. I will continue lifting you in my prayers. God Bless you & your families.
Andrea said,
November 17, 2010 at 4:19 pm
I have been following your blog for the past several weeks. You and your family are such an inspiration, to me and so many others. Your story has touched my heart. Please know that I pray for you, your children and family every day. May you keep Kathy’s spirit alive by cherishing all of your wonderful memories of her. God Bless You all!!
Barbara Hagler said,
November 17, 2010 at 4:22 pm
Mike,
I wish I could be there to celebrate Kathy’s life with you all. But since I can’t I’d like to thank you for opening up, for continuing to write this blog even when it was so hard. Your willingness to share has been a blessing to all who’ve read the posts. We praise God for Kathy and the blessing she was to many people. Dan & I knew Kathy when she was a teenager in high school and early college…about the time you guys started dating. We were helping to lead the youth group at the little church her dad and mom were pastoring, Rockwood. I have known her dad, John, since I was a little girl in Alton, Illinois. John preached a sermon on youth Sunday that caused me to go home as a 6 year old and ask Jesus into my life. So you see this family means a lot to me. I’ll be praying for you all and celebrating Kathy from Michigan.
jennier said,
November 17, 2010 at 5:11 pm
Mike, thanks so much for keeping up with blogging during this time. It is so wonderful to hear about you all and what is happening at your home with the kids. Also, thanks for the pic of Kathy. It brought tears to my eyes because she was so beautiful and will be missed but also a smile of triumph of where she is now.
Your mom in law has been so gracious about sharing the journey with us (painting class) too and we love her so much. Kathy used to stop in quite often over the last few years and bring the kids by to see their grandma. That’s how I will remember her, kids in tow and lots of smiles and giggles. We will continue to lift you ALL up in prayer. See you all tomorrow.
Greg and Karin Kostich said,
November 17, 2010 at 7:56 pm
No words, just thankful for your happy little family.
Sue said,
November 17, 2010 at 8:09 pm
Thank you for sharing. I also am one who has been following your family blog for several weeks and praying for you all. I have sat at my desk in tears so many times as I am again now. So many different emotions behind the tears. My family will continue to pray for yours. I was especially thinking of you and your children as I put my own children to bed last night. So thank you for sharing about your bedtime “joyful noise” last night! I have been so blessed to be able to read your family’s story and pray for you all. Thank you also for sharing the picture. What a picture of joy!
Kelly said,
November 17, 2010 at 9:01 pm
Love you. Thinking and praying for your family often.
I can just hear those little giggles
Sheila said,
November 17, 2010 at 9:04 pm
Yes, Mike. You and the kiddos will be just fine. God love you all.
Sharon Rose said,
November 17, 2010 at 10:37 pm
I don’t know how to say this exactly. But this journey that you have shared with so many has been nothing less than amazing. People like you and you family are far and few between. There isn’t an inkling of doubt that this is God’s plan and grace. I have tried to share this journey with everyone. Sad, so heartbreaking at times, but with such passionate faith and strength that it is impossible not to see the work of a higher power. You are a special man with a tremendous heart. I know that what you say is true, your family will go on, and Kathy and God will be with you every step of the way
Bonnie Massingill said,
November 17, 2010 at 10:39 pm
Dear Mike,
I would like to take this time to intrduce myself to you. I went to school with Kathy. I did not know her on a personal level, I just knew of her. I found out about what was happening with her and your family through a mutual friend. I have been following your blog since finding out which was about the time that Kathy came home on hospice. I find it ironic how all of this is playing out for me. It was exactly 2 months to the day yesterday that I lost my grandma to pancreatic cancer. I took the time out today to actually read all the blogs from you and Kathy. All I can say is WOW you guys have such an amazing family. My sister and I were talking about the kind of man that you are and everything you have had to endure. We both agreed that you are an amazing man and father and so so strong. I myself have struggled all my life going back and forth with my relationship with God and still do to this day. Reading all of the blogs and seeing how strong of a faith your family has, has made me feel more close to God and wanting to strengthen my relationship with Him. I want to tell you that through reading the blogs, I admire your family’s strength and courage through all of this. I also wanted to tell you that yesterday I began my own blog after reading that Kathy had passed. I dedicate my very first blog to her and her journey through life. What an amazing story you have and she had and stll has. What an amazingly happy woman she was. I hope that God continues to bless you throughout these next couple days and weeks because they will be the hardest as you get to know a new normal with Kathy not here with you. I know that you have a pretty big family and friend circle, but I would like to let you know that if you would ever need anything please don’t hesitate to ask. ( even though I am a complete stranger) I know that my husband would be of great help for sure as he lost his wife 8 years ago and has 3 children that he was raising on his own. Again, if you ever need anything or just need an ear to talk, do not hesitate. God is good and I know He is surely working on me. So sorry that this is so long, I am a talker lol.
Janet Wong said,
November 18, 2010 at 2:19 am
HI Mike,
Just want you to know your blog has been read by someone staying as far away as Singapore. I got your link thru Rene and has been following up each time. I am so touched by your testimony and how you are facing each day with God’s strength. My own 9 year old daughter was dignosed with Juvenile Dermatomyositis last November and it was a difficult time for us. Praise God she is much better now and i will keep in mind your blog each time i need to be reminded of God’s goodness and faithfulness in our lives. Thank you once again for sharing your innermost feelings with all of us.
take care!
Cindy Jenkins said,
November 18, 2010 at 5:50 am
Mike, thank you for the reminder that this is not only a time of sorrow, but of joy. I loved to hear Kathy sing. I’ll never forget the first time I heard her. It was at your wedding. She then was so kind to sing at my wedding just a few months later. I can only imagine how she sounds singing and worshipping in Heaven right now. I can’t wait to hear her! I’ll also never forget working at the bank with Kathy. Boy, did we have some fun luchroom discussions! I honestly think that we spent more time planning our weddings and deciding which Longaberger baskets were our next “must have” than actually working, LOL. Her smile will be forever in my memory. Those precious dimples… Anyway, I’ve rambled enough, but thanks again for allowing God to your journey for His glory. You’ve touched so many lives.
joe lee said,
November 18, 2010 at 7:09 am
AMEN….. Nothing to say
Mindy said,
November 18, 2010 at 10:24 am
I don’t know you or your family, only by association through a friend. I have read the blogs and you are truly an amazing family. We need more people like you in this world. You have been an inspiration with your strength. Thanks for sharing and allowing others to gain strength from this however they may need it. Take care and I will continue to keep reading this blog.
Leslie said,
November 18, 2010 at 1:08 pm
Mike and Family,
You do not know me. In fact, I live in Michigan. I was drawn to your post through a friend and I am truly humbled by you. I went back and read previous posts by you and Kathy ( some of which made me laugh out loud, some brought on heavy tears)
Being a mother myself, I can only imagine what you and your ‘Happy Little Family’ have been through. But I do know this… you have made an impact on many lives ( 8000+) just by sharing this journey with us.
I am so sad for your loss… but happy that Kathy is no longer struggling. She is now the strongest she has ever been… and so are you and your children.
I think the video idea is just perfect! Please continue to post updates on you and your children and enjoy your journey together. And know that Kathy will be there every step of the way.
Karen said,
November 18, 2010 at 3:32 pm
One of my favorite two passages in Scripture are when Jesus prayed for all believers right before He arrested to be crucified, saying, “Father, I want those whom You have given Me to be with Me where I am and to see My glory …” (John 17:24). Then, in Hebrews 2:13, we are shown how that very prayer is answered in heaven when Jesus proclaims “Here am I and the children whom God has given Me!” Your dear wife and the mother of your children are with the One who has given her salvation and who Himself desired her presence, even praying for this very day as He went to the cross on her behalf and ours. God bless you and keep you all.
Angie said,
November 18, 2010 at 4:11 pm
God Bless you and your family. You are an inspiration to many, your words of strength, faith, love and compassion amaze me. Your blog has moved me in many ways, it has reminded me to not take our lives for granted. It has given me a stronger dedication to God. I am so sorry for the loss of Kathy, but I truly see that her journey has a meaning for more people than we can imagine. My husband and I were in choir with Kathy, I remember her singing distinctly. I remember her confidence and strength she had in her voice. My prayers to you and your family. With much love, Angie Kinser
Melissa Tenney said,
November 18, 2010 at 6:21 pm
Mike,
It was a pleasure to met you today face to face. I know you have came across a lot of people over the last few months so I dont expect you to remember exactly who I am at this point…lol The visitation was so beautiful & Im glad I took the time to pay respects to Kathy, even though I didnt know her as well as others. As I said, Thank you so much for your time on the blog, Im sure it is as rewarding to you as it is to us.
Im sorry I wont be able to attend tomorrow as I will be working in the Cafe @ Church because it is our Home schooler day but please know I will continue to pray for you & your beautiful children as I have been. Once yall get back & settled in, please stop by the Cafe M-F 11-1, or Wed nights 4:30-6:30 pm & allow me to make you all the best Cafe meal you’ve ever had!
Take care & enjoy this special time with your kids & remember, were all here to help in any way possible so please DONT hesitate to ask! I have a wonderful 16 yr old daughter who loves to entertain the younger kids!
May God continue to bless each of you.
~Melissa Tenney~
Kathy Brinkmann said,
November 18, 2010 at 9:36 pm
Mike:
Sorry I did not get to read this before visiting at Arnold Baptist. I wanted to share that I, of course, knew Kathy because her dad was our pastor and she grew up in our church. She shares a great name with me and I loved her spirit, her spunk, and her love for Christ. She and you were my son, John’s, teachers. I never will forget you and Kathy opening your home to that class when you lived farther south near Barnhart. We drove John to your home and on the way our windshield was hit by something that sounded like a bullet. I am sure it was not, probably a rock, but that hole is still in the left corner of my windshield. I am leaving it there now until I cannot drive that car to remind me of you both. That sounds silly, but I will see it and remember first to pray for you and your lovely family. I will remember that life is short on earth and I need to hug my loved ones each chance I get. This “hole” will remind me that God can use any imperfection, any “hole” in your heart to bring you closer to HIM. I, on this Thanksgiving, will be so thankful for my family, even more thankful for I am thankful that I got to follow your family through this journey and am so thankful that Heaven is Kathy’s home now. I know it hurts to lose someone that you love as much as you loved her, and my heart aches for you. Hope you can rest soon.
Lindell and Sue Jones said,
November 19, 2010 at 2:20 pm
Dear Mike,
Sue and I have followed the blog for some time now. We attended the service today and our hearts were truly blessed by your reflections of Kathy using “shine” as your basis. Your courage and your faith encourage and bless us. We are in prayer for God’s Grace, Mercy, Kindness, and Watchcare of you, Maddy, Sarah, and Colin. Please keep this blog going, as it is reaching many people. I have shared with many folks, and God is at work in a powerful way through you. Let us know anything we can do?
Love, Lindell and Sue
wicwoes said,
November 22, 2010 at 8:18 am
I’m one of those 8000 who popped on here that you don’t know, been praying for you and Kathy as you shared your last days on earth together. A friend of yours, I’m pretty sure from your church, posted a link saying to pray for this family a while ago. When I clicked on it I realized Kathy and I although never super close because of age difference were both in the youth group at Rockwood Baptist Church together. I looked over this blog and I know her life was shorter than most Jesus is shining bright through it and her family. Praying for you and your beautiful children.