Monday, January 16, 2012

Russell

Russell Stewart Gregerson Durham
September 28, 1984-January 13, 2012

John 14:27 NIV
"Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid."

When he was born, the doctors told me, "Congratulations, you have given birth to a toddler." Ten pounds of a baby boy had left me trying for six days to deliver him. The joy and relief I felt the first time I held him in my arms was unlike anything I had ever experienced. I was so proud to be his mother.

The nurses in the nursery told me, "He won't sleep like the other babies. He looks all around the room, so we put him in a pumpkin seat so he can sit up and watch what we are doing."

He was the one who didn't follow the crowd. He was the one who made his own path in life. He was the one whose endless curiousity about the world around him led him to explore the United States and Italy.

He was a friend to all he knew, and those who knew him loved him. He was big and strong and looked intimidating, yet he had the heart of a kitten. He danced to the Wii with his sister, and listened patiently to her aimless rambles about her high school drama.

He died in a tragic accident this past Friday. He has left a hole in my heart that will never heal. My baby boy was 27, yet it seems like yesterday when I heard the doctors laugh as they delivered him. That laughter followed Russell throughout life as he made others smile everyday with his ironic humor.

One of his co-workers told me her favorite memory of him last summer was when they worked at the pool for a swim meet.  As he discussed preparations with the lifeguards, he mistakenly called the event a track meet.  Without missing a beat, he stopped and said, "Well, I guess it's really not a track meet unless Jesus is coming."

That was my boy. He looked at life from a different perspective than the rest of us.  I will miss it so much.
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Lord, help John, Allie and me through this difficult time. Thank you for the family and friends around the world who have wrapped their arms around us and sent up prayers to you on our behalf.
Posted by Rainbow Dreamer at 9:52 PM

28 comments:

  1. tersmithJanuary 16, 2012 at 10:56 PM

    Oh Lori, he sounds like he was such a special young man. I remember you in high school and how positive you were with such a concern for other people--so I know he must have shared some of these special attributes with his mother. The pain of grieving must be very great--but try to remember his sense of humor and the ways he made you laugh. It might give you a break from your pain--and I know he would want you to remember the good times. Your in my thoughts and prayers.

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  2. Rainbow DreamerJanuary 16, 2012 at 11:00 PM

    Thanks, Terry. He was very much like me yet very much different from me. I was very goal oriented, and he was laid back and easy going. He took life as it came and enjoyed it everyday, no matter the challenges he faced. He was such a positive person. Our memories of him help so much.

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  3. tersmithJanuary 16, 2012 at 11:10 PM

    Try to get some rest and take care of yourself. Sending loving thoughts and prayers from Ohio to you and your family in Georgia.

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  4. katyh83January 16, 2012 at 11:19 PM

    That is definitely Russell and I can safely agree that anyone who knew him loved him and will miss him dearly I know I will.

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  5. Rainbow DreamerJanuary 17, 2012 at 12:41 AM

    Thank you, Katy.

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  6. kmartinicJanuary 17, 2012 at 1:13 AM

    Lori, I didn't know Russell, but your description sounds a lot like you. How lucky he was to be your son for 27 years.
    Though he is no longer here on Earth, his spirit, love and laughter live on. His love for life will forever impact those that knew him. His memory is the one thing that can never be removed.
    God bless you and your family and may God continue to grant you peace.

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  7. Rainbow DreamerJanuary 17, 2012 at 5:10 AM

    Kim, you are so right. He was much like me in appearance and spirit. Thank you for your kind words and constant support and encouragement. I have been leaning on them in this time of great need.

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  8. moemomJanuary 17, 2012 at 5:47 AM

    Dearest Lori, It has been a long time since we have seen you. We are so very sorry about Russell. Having lost a son we know the pain in your heart. Please know that you and your family are in our prayers.

    Phil and Jo Ellen Jones

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    Replies
    1. Rainbow DreamerJanuary 18, 2012 at 5:56 AM

      Dear Jo Ellen and Phil. Thank you for taking the time to write. I know youe pain. Thank you for your prayers. --Lori

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  9. UnknownJanuary 17, 2012 at 9:13 AM

    This comment has been removed by the author.

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  10. UnknownJanuary 17, 2012 at 9:14 AM

    I am thinking of you, Lori, John and Ally. I know this must be so terrible to go through and I hope you find some peace soon. I haven't seen him in a long time, but Russell was always so nice and its hard to find genuinely sweet people these days. The fabric of our world got a little weaker with his passing. Hopefully, we can all restrengthen it a bit by taking a lesson from his kind heart and gentle demeanor and trying to be a bit more like the guy he naturally was. Rest in peace.

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  11. Aunt Edna Uncle SantJanuary 17, 2012 at 10:20 AM

    We are praying that God will give you and your family the necessary understanding and peace to get you all through this. We are all in HIS hands. No one knows until you go through the emptiness and pain of losing a dear loved one. Our loss is his gain. May the good LORD Bless and keep you all in his tender loving hands.

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  12. sellisJanuary 17, 2012 at 10:55 AM

    Dear Durham family, Several in Franklin, TN are lifting you up in prayer. We are so sorry for your loss and thank God for His comforting Spirit to sustain you during such a difficult time. God bless you. Richard and Susan Ellis

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  13. cmh501January 17, 2012 at 1:46 PM

    Lori, What such a wonderful tribute to Russell. I know he will be missed and he was truely loved by many. May God be with you, Allie, John, your mom, Terri,Rob and the rest your family during this difficult time. He is with your father now and I am sure your dad is now watching over him. God Bless
    Candy Hein

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  14. Dawn TerrellJanuary 17, 2012 at 3:30 PM

    Memory Eternal! All of you are in our prayers. We love you.

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  15. jenJanuary 17, 2012 at 6:55 PM

    I didn't know your son at all but I know Ron and I have read his blog and your blog about your son,it seems that he was an awsome person. Our prayers and thoughts are with you and your family.
    Jenny Skipper

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  16. RussellsPencilPusherJanuary 18, 2012 at 1:09 AM

    I love this. Its beautiful. The fact that the FIRST thing you heard when Russell was born was something humorous is just beautiful. Russell was ALWAYS laughing his smile will forever be on my mind.

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  17. Rainbow DreamerJanuary 18, 2012 at 5:51 AM

    Yes--thank you for reminding me that laughter was the theme of his life. :)

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  18. AllysonJune 26, 2012 at 8:38 PM

    Mrs. Durham, I feel so bad that I haven't visited your blog lately. Russell sounds like such a special person. I know you'll always have wonderful memories of him. I'm praying for you & your family.


    Allyson / Allie

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  19. Rainbow DreamerJune 26, 2012 at 11:07 PM

    Thank you, Allyson. We are moving forward as best we can. We are relying on prayer and faith. People like you lift us up so we can continue on our path. God bless you and thank you for writing.

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