"As we express our gratitude,we must never forget that the highest appreciation is not to utter the words, but to live by them." ~John F. Kennedy
Missing you so much. It remains difficult to visit here, but I wanted to let you know another Memorial Day has come and gone. I remembered you along with all of your Army buddies who will remain "Forever 26". May you all know the peace and comfort you all so richly deserve after serving your countryl.
There isn't a day that passes without you in my heart.You are always with. I'm grateful for you and the time we shared together. You gave unselfishly, generously and without complaint of any kind.
Please know you will always be loved. Big hugs, my Love.
Love is something beyond the body. Bodies come and go, love remains. Love has eternity in it, timelessness, deathlessness. I know: even if I am gone, I know you will search for me. Yes, I can trust you will hunt for me in every stone and flower, in every eye and star... And I can promise you one thing: if you hunt for me, you will find me... in every star and in every eye... because if you have really loved a master, you have moved into eternity with him. The relationship is not of time, it is timeless......
~ Osho
I love you so, Belle
Belle
His true wealth is in his generous loving heart for his family, friends and mankind... and what an infinite wealth he has and shares with us all!
Belle
Memories... loving & missing you
I know that my husband has passed away
But I will love him until my dying day.
So please listen to my memories every now and then
Family and friends, please allow me to talk about Bruce when....
His hair was silver, his eyes were brown.
His favorite color was red, his love for all was true.
He never left without saying I love you or a hug to hold.
He never caused others pain, and
In his life he had everything to gain.
We, family and friends, and strangers alike, gained from him in death
He brought us to God and there is no greater wealth.
Yes, for my husband there could be no other
I thank God for choosing me to be his wife.
I miss you every minute of every day
Someday I will be able to give you that last and first hug.
03.24.2010
Belle
A new beach for you... at Ko'Olina
27 December 2009
Belle
Bruce's Celebration of Life—Second Anniversary
Sunday, October 25th, was Bruce Anthony Bourgault's second anniversary to celebrate his life which has become a deeply moving tradition. Those of you who knew him are aware of two of his favorite things—Shiner Bock beer and hot dogs! Many of you have joined in the celebration... words alone cannot express my continued gratitude for remembering him and your support after his death.
It is because of Bruce I am where I am today. It has been a fascinating, arduous journey—sometimes too painful to mention, yet always enough joy to carry me through.
In June I returned to our heart's home on Oahu and met with a few of our friends. It was wonderful reuniting with friends and remembering Bruce. I've landed on my feet, yet there remains more work to do. However, my path is clear, the pace is steady and I'm grateful to receive whatever is placed before me. Learning to live again is worthwhile... the lesson of living in the moment... now... being most important.
It's because of Bruce's life and our life together which has brought me to a very positive place... it's a calming, reassuring, loving place. Celebrating his life reminds me again of all whom and what is precious to me. He remains a very special man, husband, father, grandfather and friend, who shared his life not only with me, but so many others.
Our Tradition
We meet by the water at sundown. We share a toast, drink a Shiner Bock beer and eat a hot dog with the works. We talk. I take photographs. We talk some more. I read one of your favorite passages...
To everything there is a season And a time to every purpose under Heaven
A time to be born, a time to die A time to plant, a time to reap A time to kill, a time to heal A time to laugh, a time to weep
A time to build up, a time to breakdown A time to dance, a time to mourn A time to cast away stones A time to gather stones together
A time of love, a time of hate A time of war, a time of peace A time you may embrace A time to refrain from embracing
A time to gain, a time to loseA time to rend, a time to sew A time for love, a time for hate
To everything there is a season And a time to every purpose under Heaven
I scatter flower petals over the water. This year the flowers were from a Rain Tree in a friends yard. I give thanks. I feel his spirit. Two brown pelicans fly overhead. One of them lands on a piling at the boat launch. He was quiet and didn't move as I walked closer to him. He remained the longest time with us looking directly at one another and with an eerie look of knowing flew away alone over the bay.
I love you, Belle
Belle
Wishing You A Very Happy Easter!
I remember our first Easter together in San Antonio. We had such fun behaving like little kids. It was such a simple thing and I'll never forget the delight in your eyes. How I miss sharing these special moments with you.
It remains difficult being without you, but I am much better. Thank you for helping me. I misunderstood your message, but I finally figured it out. I'm such a silly goose sometimes, but I learned a valuable lesson.
I know you are surrounded by beauty, our family and friends who have passed and God's love. I hope you enjoy the flowers and the light shining from my heart within them. I love and miss you so much... always, Belle
April 10, 2009
Belle
Hi Love—I put together a video of lilies I know you'll enjoy. This is a second effort. I think about you so much... loving you is easy, but missing you is so very difficult. I know you are well and happy. Please give Chance and the rest of our family my love and lots of hugs.
I hope you've met John. Please help him to help Fran, Ray, Jeanne and Molly. This is such a hard time for them. May they find strength within their love for one another... today and always.
I'll be back soon. You are always in my heart, mind, and soul... never to be forgotten and loved forever. Thank you for helping me every minute of every day.
Belle
03.25.2009
Belle
Spring is on it's way!
I remember how much you looked forward to spring in San Antonio. You could hardly wait for winter's grip to release itself and grant you the warmth of the sunshine. One of the main reasons was because you were having withdrawals from NOT being on the golf course with your buddies.
How you loved to play... and even if your game wasn't at it's best you would invariably return home energized sporting a glow from being kissed by the sun. Those were very happy days. I'm blessed to have shared so many with you.
Loving and missing you always, Belle 03.11.2009
Belle
Good morning & Aloha Love—
This tulip is one of many I received in a bouquet for Valentine's Day! Every time I looked at them I thought of you. Your favorite color is red and this a perfect example of it.
I shot this photo on the back porch as the sun was setting. The natural glow of the sun reminds me of your smile and warms my heart. I uploaded it for Wordless Wednesday on Activerain today because I wanted to share it with you and our friends there. They have been and continue to be so encouraging and supportive. You will not be forgotten.
Jack called this week. We had a great conversation and remembered all of the good things you have done for everyone. He has a new office and your photo hangs in the lobby. He and Trish think and talk about you every day. You have become a beacon for good and your presence reassures them—especially when things aren't going well.
We all hold you dear to our hearts and carry you within us in love and goodness. I love and miss you so much. Thank you for all of your help.
Mahalo my Angel! 02.25.2009
Belle
I was doing a bit of digital house cleaning last night when I stumbled upon this photo of Bruce, and our two little girls, Thelma and Louise. I laughed and cried seeing this image of them again. The photo was taken on the lanai at our house in Ewa Beach, Hawaii.
We adopted Thelma and Louise from the SPCA in San Antiono, Texas. They lived up to their names (LOL)! There was never a dull moment with them around. When we relocated to Hawaii they came with us and loved Island life. They gave us unconditional love, joy and laughter.
When Bruce died in 2007 I had to relocate to the Mainland because I was ill and had to sell our home. I couldn't take Thelma and Louise with me. It broke my heart. However, our veterinarian loved them almost as much as we did. She and her staff found the perfect home for them. Even though I didn't want to leave them I know they are safe and with a loving family.
I carry all three of them in my heart!
02.02.2009
Belle
January 23, 2009
The Twenty-third Psalm was one of your favorite scriptures. You and your buddies with the 101st Airborne Screaming Eagles had your own version of it. You shared it with me many times. Thinking about you sharing your stories about it brings a smile to my lips. Thank you, Love.
The Lord is my shepard, I shall not want.
He maketh me to lie down in green pastures,
He leadeth me beside still waters,
He restoreth my soul;
He leadeth me in the paths of righteousness
for his name's sake.
Yea, though I walk through the valley of the
shadow of death,
I will fear no evil; for thou art with me;
Thy rod and thy staff they comfort me.
Thou preparest a table before me in the
presence of mine enemies;
Thou annointest my head with oil;
My cup runneth over.
Surely goodness and mercy shall follow
me all the days of my life;
And I will dwell in the House of the Lord forever.
Belle
Certificate of Burial at Sea
by Hawaiian Ocean Memorials
This document certifies that on Saturday, November 17, 2007
the cremated remains of
Bruce Anthony Bourgault
were scattered in Hawaiian waters.
The exact location is latitude W 157' degrees 49.665'
and longitude N21' degrees 16.136'
Linda Bourgault, Jeanne Bourgault, Sandy Rephan, Jack Shull and David Kucic were in attendance to scatter Bruce's ashes, per his request, at sundown over Waikiki Bay, Honolulu, Hawaii.
Belle
Happy New Year—2009
An Elegy by Bruce McKay Yukon B.C 2008
Yes, you have entered my bloodstream, the chamber-of my heart you vanish inside of me and surround me the whole day is filled with you-
But when most- moved by deep feeling, evaporate, we breath ourselves in and out from moment to moment our emotions grows stronger, like a fragrance, first subtle, then stronger, then fainter as life fades.
How shall we retain the dew on the morning grass? what is ours floats into the air like vapor that our hands cannot greedily grasp- and clutch it to our breaking hearts.
Yet nothing really belongs to us- we even put our hands around the necks of unbroken flowers without thought and touch the butterfly before it can escape.
I want to watch you with my breath held in awe of you in my sight even though I can not touch you. I talk with you so I can have my passion once more.
Belle
Bourgault Family Reunion at Ewa Beach, Hawaii, March 2007
Having all of the kids, grandchildren and extended family together to celebrate your remission was wonderful! We gathered at Ewa Beach on a beautiful day in March to play, eat, drink and be merry. It was so much fun and we were so happy. We hadn't all been together since Jeanne and Ray's wedding in 2001. I promised you I'd create a book about this special time. I'm in the midst of doing that right now. It will a gift from us to Cathy, Jeanne and Rob. I hope it will help the grand children to remember you and become a family favorite to "talk story" to share family memories.
I know you are happy and well with family and friends. I hope you are singing in the Heavenly choir with your beautiful baritone voice celebrating the Christmas season with joy.
Wishing you and our loved ones Love and Happiness during the upcoming New Year and always!
