---

Posted by wes berlin on 08-27-2005 at11:41:

 

hey all.

it was great seeing baxter, brenneth and rich brimer last night! the dogs were great (as usual). it was a beautiful night (except for the bugs) seeing fathers enjoying their children.

there came a pivitol moment part way through the dogs set reguarding zippity's partner, in putting on these camps, jeff james. we got word that his father had passed away....his family came and picked him up. zippity got up and shared with everyone about the events and reminded us all of the andy's angels mantra "life is short....live well, love well". he spoke about the need to share your love with your children....using words and touch.

he was very moving.

the dogs came back up and they played a beautiful set of songs (lord protect my child, papa danced on olvera street and something else (that i didn't remember knowing). terry shared about his father and really drove home the point (of that if you tell your children you love them....they will never forget it).

it was beautiful and very .sad all at once. please remember jeff and his family in your prayers. rob watson and i saw jeff as he was leaving and we were both speechless as we saw our friend in such a broken place. the look on his face is a look i have seen too many times...


peace be with us all.

-john

---

Posted by zippetydoodaddy on 08-27-2005 at16:42:

 

Agreed. It was wonderful. Thanks for being there Wes. I'm sorry to all of you who didn't have enough time to make it out. I'll make sure I throw out the opportunity earlier next time.

When I collect my thoughts a little better, I'll share with all of you the impact last night had on some of the guys who were there.

BTW that song was Let There Be Angels Round The Children from CAACONAA>

Well done Mike and Terry. Thanks again.

---

Posted by Theo on 08-27-2005 at19:15:

  Sigh...

Yes, Rich Brimer and I spoke on the phone today. I asked him how the camp went. He gave me all the poop first and then launched into an acount of what's been stated here.

Dear dear Jeff! What a tremendous man of God and a sweet brother in Christ. All God's peace on him and his family now and for ever.

Last year when I was blessed enough to attend CAMP CAACONAA, I looked out over the grass field at all the tents and the groups of fathers interacting with there children and found it all a bit overwhelming. My spirit soared with warmth and joy. THIS! This is what Andrew wanted to see and beyond the CDs and the concerts and everything else that has been done--this is what captures the heart of why such a fuss was made in memory of one little boy.

It is a generous and wonderful life beneath the canopy of our Creator God.

Theo

---

Posted by bereal on 08-27-2005 at21:56:

 



Prayers for Jeff James and family.

---

Posted by baxter on 08-30-2005 at12:07:

 

Theo,

my spirit soared for you Saturday when i witnessed a similar scene. CAACONAA truly is more than albums and benefit concerts. God is so pleased to see the hearts of fathers returning to their kids.

We took a hike Saturday morning with an LAPD officer, who brought his son to the camp. He had brought another son to the LAPD camp 2 weeks before. He shared that the boys were so excited to have that time with him. i believe that this was a new experience of intimacy for the family. The dream lives on!

Zippety,

Thanks so much! As a host, father, and director, you rock!!