The last 3 months have been an incredible Journey. The time I spent with my family making decisions about whether to run or not and how best to do it. The fateful vacation that ended before it even started. Deciding how best to handle Katie’s passing, and whether or not to run for council. The Election Day and the preparation for the runoff. Most importantly realizing how very blessed I have been.
I have mentioned on my blog that my main reason for running has been my children. I grew up in Gardendale. I frequently refer to it as the south end of the rainbow. I had a wonderful childhood, and the main reasons were the love of my parents and the wonderful community in which I lived. I want my children to feel the same way when they get my age. Katie began the process for our family by continuing to make me believe I could help make Gardendale a better place. That is one reason I stayed in the race after the wreck.
As many of you well know, July 20, 2008 will be a day I will never forget. I kissed my baby for the last time here on this earth. Everything about me changed in that moment. I became humbled, broken, confused, sick, scared, tired, tormented, guilty, and dirty all at the same time. I stood up, walked back a few steps, and began praying. I prayed to my Father that he would take Kate, hold her, love her, protect her, and do all the things that I wasn’t able to do. I thanked Him for the times we had together and for the special relationship we had developed over our 17 years. The very next moment I had the most incredible thing happen to me. God told me that it was okay to let Katie come to her Father. The fear, chaos, and confusion all left me. I knew that Kate was okay and that she was in the presence of the Holy Spirit.
It may seem like I am going through the worst possible time in my life. While I cry everyday because I miss my Buggs, I realize how lucky I am to have the many blessings I do have. This community, our friends and family, my dear wife, my sons… all have become so very special to me each and every moment. The appreciation of every minute that I always took for granted. Knowing that so many people genuinely care about our family and our well being has really blown me away. Last but not least, the promise of how very much God loves each one of us has become so evident to me. Every time I get kicked to the ground and feel as though I can’t get up again, He sends someone or something to pick me up. He does this because He promises to never give me anything I can’t handle. Why I am not sure why any of this happened, I know my Katie is as happy as ever. That knowledge is what gives me the strength to get out of bed every morning
I have constantly used this blog to express my council Ideas. Today however, I am going to say something that makes any council talk pale by comparison. I have been given an incredible blessing. I now know how much God loves me. He sent his only son to die a terrible death on the cross for me. He did this so I and each one of you may be washed clean of all of our sins and have an eternity with him in heaven. I no longer have to wonder about the pain God had that day at
Yours in Christ,
Mike “Buckett” Burkett
238-1272
1 comment:
Buckett,
I have been very impressed with your faith in God thorugh this tragedy. You have handled the loss of Katie with an unbelieveable strength. I know that, that strength comes from God above. Your attitude and actions have helped so many of Katie's friends cope with this loss. I know this because I have talked with some of the kids at Jordan that were friends with Kaite. Through all of this you were available to Katie's friends, to talk with them and help them deal with this terrible loss. My family prays for yours everyday, and we will continue to do so. Katie touched so many lives and even in her passing she is still reaching others and bringing them to Christ.
As far as the election goes, I live in Mt. Olive and do not have a vote - but I would vote for you if I lived in your ward. Any person that has this much faith in God, can handle a tradegy like this the way that you have, is a person that Gardendale would be lucky to have to help lead the city.
Buckett my heart goes out to you, and I pray that God's grace will be with you everyday.
Shayne Carnes
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