Somewhere around the beginning of June I was heard predicting that this summer, the summer of 2007, was to be one of the best in recent memory.

Predictably, the universe heard my declaration and decided to make me look like an idiot. The universe is a real jerk.

There have been lots of good bits throughout the summer months: cookouts, concerts, time with friends, and beautiful weather. Those good times, though, have also been punctuated and, at times, overshadowed by some devastating losses.

As the warm weather has started to give away to cooler temperatures, and Summer breathes it's last fleeting breaths, my friends and I are presented with one more loss.

No Nick Name Fred, known in the real world as Fred Turner, his wife Jen, and their two kids Addison and Colston, are leaving St. Awesome's and Lexington.

Fred and GG invited the Colonel and I out to dinner a week or so ago to break the news to us. The Colonel, prophet of doom that he is, suspected something was up. I've never been so sorry to see the Colonel be right.

The loss of Fred and Jen to St. Awesome's is a terrible one. Fred brought sincerity, transparency and warmth to our church community. He was a voice of wisdom, humor and, when needed, healing. We'll never see another one like him come through the doors.

And though Jen wasn't a staff member, the loss of her to St. Awesome's is equally devastating. Jen is funny, and warm and enjoyably sarcastic at all the right times. Like a lot of the staff wives at our church, there's a realness to Jen that, unfortunately, you don't always see in women married to ministers. Jen, like Fred, is transparent and everyone is the better for it.

Worse than the loss to our church, though, is the loss to me personally. Fred has, over the past few years, become one of my best friends. He's one of the few people I know who can improve my mood simply by being in the room. There's going to be a big hole in my life that he and his beautiful wife used to occupy.

Fred, Jen, I love you guys. I'm excited about the greener pastures that lie ahead of you, and want nothing but the best for you. You're going to be missed, though, in ways that I can't even begin to elaborate on properly.

Labels: jerks

I remember sitting at St. Awesome the very first Sunday that Fred spoke. Sally and I looked at each other and said, "Where in the hell did this guy come from? He's awesome." I knew right then and there that Fred would have a deep impact on Crossroads and boy did he ever. Fred is without a doubt one of the the most cool headed and kindest person I've ever met. I can't tell you how much I respect Fred Turner and how much his friendship and ministry has meant to me.

Equally as disappointing is the loss we'll feel when Jen leaves too. Jen is the most honest and direct people I've ever met. She is also one of the most selfless people I've ever known. She will never know how much the night she spent in the ER with Sally, Lily, and me meant to us.

While, I'm saddened that Fred and Jen are leaving, I'm very thankful for the impact they have had on Crossroads and my families lives. We are exited for your new journey and please know that our prayers are with all of you. We love you guys. Thanks so much for all you have given and taught us.  


I'm no where near the acceptance stage that you two seem to be in, I'm still somewhere between denial and anger. Gosh I love these guys and it is just such a blow to my heart to have them leave. They are one of the few couples I've ever met who have just accepted me and Micah for the whole package that we are. Never judging some of our weirdest quirks, they are so loving & undertanding.

The only good thing I've been able to say has come from this so far is that I am no longer willing to let relationships "develop at their own pace". I now will be making sure that people I'm friends with or feel drawn to be friends with know it. This may mean I will start stalking some of you, don't be scared, just blame the Turners.

By the way, I say we declare at least one weekend a year "Turner Trip" weekend and caravan up there.

Hmm, maybe I should have written that on my blog instead of yours...  


i could seriously write forever on this subject but for the sake of my emotions, i'll try not to.

the fact that jen and i reconnected after so many years had passed is truly a God thing. our families have been connected for years and will continue to bei love thinking back to fred living with us (and jen visiting) when he first began his journey at st.awesome and how much fun we had.

we have been through so much together. our lives have been completely enhanced because you will forever be a part of them. i know that. we have gone through too much to let that go!

seasons are for changes. i'm so thankful for the seasons of nature but not in my personal life. it's hard to accept changes and having people leave a stamp on your heart and then have to go is really difficult. at these moments i just try to look at the blessings. when you broke the news to us i was just SO depressed that next day....and here less than a week later nati was taken from us. it just kind of puts things into perspective. we are all here for a purpose and must serve that purpose. life is just a blip and we must make the most out of it. you are so gifted in speaking--it is what you are meant to do.

i know you all will always be a phone call or a drive away. i just have to remind myself of that. brady is upset about addyson moving away from kentucky but we have reassured him we will visit.

thank you for being a blessing.
we'll love you all forever.  


OK, I'm literally leaving tears on my keyboard. Been way too much of that lately.

Thanks for all you have said here and elsewhere.

I'm not sure any of you fully appreciate how much you mean to us and how rich you have made our lives the past four years. We'll try to tell you in person in the days ahead, but if all we do is hug you and cry- translate it as love and friendship.

When we talk about our move being bittersweet because we're leaving you all, it isn't hyperbole.

The invitation for all of you to move to Raleigh (or at the very least visit) isn't just figurative either!  


Ok, I'm adding in a little late, but have to add my 2 cents. Turners, we are going to miss you SO much!! Fred--you are the most natural, authentic speaker I've ever heard and it has been so enjoyable, helpful, and uplifting to hear you speak. Thanks for all you did with Reverb which was such a positive experience for us. We miss it! Jen-- it's been so good to share honest notes about motherhood! I love that our kids are so close in age so we can really understand what the other is going through! We will have to plan a road trip once you get settled! We pray for a smooth transition!  


OK, so the last post from "The Colonel" is actually from Mrs. Colonel. I forgot to change the name.  


I forgot to change the name AGAIN!!!  


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