Thanks for Your Support

First of all, I want to thank you all for coming out and supporting the second annual Roderick Rempel Floor Hockey Tournament.  I want to thank the committee for spending so much time planning and organizing and I want to thank MBCI and all the staff for hosting and supporting this event. Thanks to Mr Downie for coming back and MCing for us and to all the volunteers and teams that are involved, and who make this day so special. Thank you to everyone, this tournament means so much to my family and me.

I was asked if I ever felt that Roderick was watching over all of this.  I said of course, but I often believe he would be thinking, “all this because of me?” This reminds me of the time when Roderick posted on his Facebook page, “I may be unknown now, but eventually I will be unforgettable.” I know that he would be very humbled and thankful for this event and for the fact that this tournament raises funds to provide scholarships and bursaries to students who are not able to afford Christian education. I would like to thank you all for helping keep Roderick’s memory alive.

There is a verse in the Bible that has really become meaningful to me. In Hebrews 11, it talks about the great people of faith that have gone on before us and then it says, ‘Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a huge crowd of witnesses to the life of faith, referring to the people who have gone before us. I believe Roderick is now one of that crowd of witnesses cheering us on in our race.  I made post cards for Roderick’s birthday with that verse on the front. I have extra copies if anyone would like one. They are by the table with the memorabilia and you are welcome to take one. 

I did not make a lot of resolutions for 2017; however I did make one.  I decided that in 2017, I would see something beautiful come out of this tragedy.  I saw this beautiful back yard, in it was a tree that looked like the trunk had split in half and half of it had fallen over.  Half of it was still growing the other half had become this beautiful table for flowers and greenery.  It was beautiful, I wish I had a picture of it but it reminds me of this storm of tragedy that has ripped through our family.  It’s not the norm to turn a fallen tree into something beautiful. Usually, it is cut up for firewood. All you see is a broken tree that looks so damaged, but it is possible to make something beautiful from it, and that is what I’m believing for. 

To all of Roderick’s friends, I know this tragedy has affected you as well. I encourage you to continue to strengthen your faith in the Lord and to know that you are loved. I also encourage families to love one another and to remember that life can be short, and to cherish each day you spend with each other.

Roderick’s mom

Rod's 2017 tournament

I read a quote sometime ago that said, “The time to make friends is before you need them!!”

Never before have we realized how important friends are, and how much kids can add to the parent’s circle of friends. So many of you here today we know because of Roderick.

Having this tournament is a huge honour for us as parents, and how much more for Roderick, how proud he'd be or is to see that his life here continues to have an impact on so many people. I’m often reminded of a discussion we had not long before his passing on really valuable art, so often the artist is not around anymore to enjoy the success, the comment Roderick made, he was quiet for a bit and then said "that sucks".  That is how we feel now too, it really sucks having these tournaments on one hand, but on the other hand it's a huge blessing and honour and may his short life here on earth continue to remind us of what kind of legacy we would like to leave.

Thank you so much for coming out so let's go play hard and have fun and just so you know the "Wolverines Old Boys Organization” are here today to take home the championship title.

Roderick’s dad

Roderick Rempel Floor Hockey Tournament

Save the date!! Saturday June 3, MBCI is hosting another floor hockey fundraising tournament in honour and memory of Roderick Rempel.

Registration and pledge forms can be picked up in the high school office. Only $50 per team to register. Register by May 25 - only 20 spots available (16 in the senior division and 4 junior). The money raised this year will be put in the MBCI Bursary Fund to help many students at MBCI.

Roderick had a huge heart and was always caring about others, so we hope that you will join us in raising funds for this cause on his behalf! Don't miss out on this fun-filled, exciting day. 

See you there on June 3!

Poem by Angeline

Free Verse Poem #10

by Angeline Rempel

You can still hear the loud cries

The gunfire that pierces through flesh

You think you’re safe but violence always follows

Everything is good everything is peaceful

But one split second can change your life forever

Time stands still after that one second

You look around and wait for something to happen

Sirens grow louder and questions are asked

You just sit there in shock not knowing what to do

You keep hoping this is all just a dream

Angeline had to write thirty some different kinds of poems for an assignment in school.  This is one of the poems she wrote.

I listened to a message today, it was so powerful.  

But it has now been revealed through the appearing of our Saviour, Christ Jesus, who has destroyed death and has brought life and immortality to light through the gospel.  

2 Timothy 1:10.

Anyone who is dealing with pain let's welcome the light and gain a new perspective on our pain.  I promise you won't regret taking the time to watch this message.  https://www.life.church/watch/through-the-eyes-of-a-lion/turn-off-the-dark/

Birthday Celebration

   

Flowers we receive

The Flowers we received

Some years ago I took Roderick to Staples to buy something he needed for school.  I explained to him that we would get only what he needed and we would look for the best price because we were in a situation financially where we needed to be careful how much we spent.  When we had found what we needed we went to checkout and the cashier asked if I’d be willing to make a donation.

   “Sure.” I said, “five dollars”.

   “You said we need to be careful how much we spend”, Roderick pipes up.

   I looked at him and responded, “but we’re still always generous”.

   “Then why don’t you give five hundred dollars”? He asked.

   By this time the cashier is smiling and looks at Roderick and says, “Your mom said generous not crazy”.

   That word crazy, that was so commonly used by people observing Roderick in so many completely different situations.

   The week of Roderick’s birthday has come on gone, his first Birthday in heaven.  It has been a week full of joy and sadness.  It’s been painful yet so precious. 

   Tuesday, which was Roderick’s birthday, my niece went with me to pick up the two cakes and get some snack for the party in the evening.  We went to visit Roderick’s gravesite together. 

The wonderful ladies and prayer warriors
who helped me serve the cake.  They
have been an incredible support to me. 

In the afternoon I went to school and the moms from parents of prayer helped me serve Birthday cake to the grade 11s, which are the kids from Roderick’s grade.  We also gave them each a post card, which I had printed for each of them.  After school we went to Tony Roma’s for dinner with my sister and her kids and my niece who lives at out house.  My sister and her kids gave Roderick a card and some cash saying in it that since he couldn't receive it in heaven Tyler and Angeline could divide it up.  When we got home we found a bouquet of flowers in the front entrance, not sure whom they were from but if your reading this, thanks a lot it means a lot.  After that ten of Roderick’s friends came over to play games, we watched some videos of Roderick (he seems so real in those, hearing his voice and seeing him).  One of Roderick’s hockey buddies also dropped by and brought us some flowers.  Thanks so much.  We feel so blessed to have so many friends who remember us on these special days. 

   On Friday a bunch of Roderick’s cousins came over, we watched the videos again, had cake and just hung out.  A couple of Roderick's cousins brought him some fish.  I thought that was so special and such a perfect gift to bring him.  Roderick loved his fish and so often he would want to be taken to the pet store to buy another fish.  His fish and tank are still here and to add a few more fish would have been so special to Roderick.  I find it so interesting and meaningful in what different ways people come up with to celebrate Roderick's birthday and to make him a part of it while he is in heaven.

   I feel like it’s been a good week even though I feel a little exhausted from trying to control my emotions and dealing with the pain while at the same time focusing on the amazing blessing of friends and family and the joy that remembering Roderick brings.

   The following is the verse I put on the front of the card and write-up I put on the back of the card I handed out to Roderick’s friends.  Thanks to my friend who helped me with the writing.

  

The card I handed out

Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a huge crowd of witnesses to the life of faith, let us strip off every weight that slows us down, especially the sin that so easily trips us up. And let us run with endurance the race God has set before us.  Hebrews 12:1  (Roderick’s race was cut short but he is now in the stands cheering us on)

Roderick’s life was a person who truly celebrated life. He had big dreams, was an accomplished athlete, and most of all loved his friends. He was never afraid to be himself, and if people had a problem with who he was, that didn’t concern him. He was proud of who he was.

   In June of 2014, he was given an assignment to write a letter to himself, which he could open when he graduated.  In that assignment he wrote, “One thing I like about myself is that I have lots of energy.”  Those of you who went to school with Roderick will know that that energy sometimes got him into trouble, and those of you who played sports with him will know how much that energy also benefited him. Twice in that paper he mentioned that he had lots of friends. His friends and family were always important to him.

   Roderick was a guy who did not waste time holding grudges. He tended to act before thinking things through and that too would cause him to get in trouble at times, but he was always quick to forgive others. I continued to see this in his life. In school he would at times struggle to get along with a teacher, but it was not uncommon for him to look back the following year and mention the things he appreciated about that teacher.

   Although Roderick’s time with us was short, let us learn from his example to live life to the fullest, to celebrate and be proud of who you are, to enjoy life’s adventures and not be afraid to take risks, to be quick to forgive and to work hard to accomplish your dreams. We miss Roderick and the energy and joy he brought to us, but we know that he is now with the Lord and is the happiest he has ever been. As Roderick looks down from heaven, the one thing he would want all of you to know is how peaceful and loved he feels and how much he loves you, but most of all how much God loves each one of you.

Happy Birthday Roderick

Dear Roderick

Happy Birthday! How are you doing?  I know the answer.  You are doing great and I am so happy to know that but I miss you so much.  We are having a party for you and I so wish you could be here physically but I know you will be here in spirit.  This year has been a rough one trying to live without you in the house.  I never knew how much your energy brought to our home but I know you love to see the bond that has formed between Tyler and Angeline.  They miss you, you know?  Also your dad and I, we have learned to hold onto each other through it all.  All four of us, we hold onto each other and the love we would like to give to you we now give to each other.  I know you want us to be happy and I know that you see the big picture and the reason why we should be happy so we choose to live by faith and focus on the blessings so that our struggles and grief can shrink evermore. 

I will forever be grateful for what you have brought to our lives and the 16 years you were with us.  We are forever changed for having you with us.  We will continue to enjoy your presence with the memories and the life lessons you left with us.  Your life has not been in vain.  As you enjoy the happiness of heaven remember to look down on us and cheer us on.  When you look down from heaven and see us make wrong choices pray to God for us to show us the way.  We want our life to continue to bring joy to those around us but especially to the Father who loves us so much and who’s love you experience now in a way that we cannot comprehend. 

Your friends and your cousins they love you so much.  I can only imagine the joy you feel when you look down and see how they celebrate you and that they choose to do it by giving and sharing love rather then by becoming bitter and angry.  Yes the ripple effects of your life are not going to end soon.  Your life was a giant splash and the ripples go on and on and on. 

Thank-You so much Roderick for everything you’ve given us and for everything you have been to us.

Love You Always

Mommy

What a day it must be for you in heaven today, celebrating your first birthday there.

I’m trying to imagine how birthdays are celebrated in heaven, and oh, the cake, how good it would taste.  I’m wondering if you were patient to wait with eating the cake before the birthday song is sung? :)

I can’t join you for your party but I’m sure you’ll watch us celebrate down here. This morning I missed you walking up close to me and bragging about your height, and being in better shape then me, witch of course I’m not going to argue now that you have the angels help you with your workout. Teasing you with the peach fuzz on your cheek would be fun, but almost a year has passed since I’ve seen you so who knows how many of those would still be there?  It’s been sooo empty without you, many time’s I look around and wonder, was it a dream that you were part of our family, or was it real? It was so real. So real that until this day I can’t understand why you don’t come join us for your favorite meals or different activities. 

Your short life here has taught me how important it is to live life to the fullest and what an impression you leave when you move on from here.

I really miss you Roderick, the word “miss” doesn’t fully describe it but don’t know how else to put it.

Have a heavenly birthday

Love you

Dad