A proud legacy .. . .

Kent has a new grandson, an irish lad named Keegan Patrick O'Britten. He was born on December 4th and is a robust 8 # 12 oz. 20 inches long. He looks just like Drew did when he was born 31 1/2 years ago. He would be so proud of his legacy, another red headed Britten for the world to enjoy. Wish he was here to enjoy it all. Being a half hour away from them is the best place in the world for me.
His wife, Bonnie

Many changes for the Brittens

Friends and family, I know that you check back here from time to time. There have been many changes for the Britten family since the last post. We have all relocated to the beautiful Pacific Northwest, except Sarah who we hope to convince to head out this winter. Kent would be so proud of moving on with our lives. We miss him everyday but can feel his presence in making the right decisons and smoothing the pathway. I took early retirement from teaching and have taken a job as a house director of a sorority on the University of Washington campus. Rebecca has moved to Bellingham, WA to begin a new job. Drew, Katie andFiona live in Monroe, WA, and Rachel began college in mid august at the University of Puget Sound in Tacoma, WA. WE are all within a couple hours of each other and I am right in the middle of everyone. Many changes including downsizing a 34 year collection of material things. I now have a small apartment in a big house and 95 girls to keep me company. I am reliving my college experience on campus, but without the studying. I look forward to exploring the northwest with my children and know that Kent is smiling down, so happy that we are together and contining on with life on earth . . . until we meet again. Bonnie

Family Poetry

I was reminded today of some of the sayings that Dad used to recite that always gave us a chuckle. I endeavored to google a few key phrases to see if they where ever uttered outside of the quirky Britten family. Having struck out on all three of my favorites, I decided to right them down here, lest they be forgotten by future generations.

It was the 41st of May when wee Willie passed away.
He died harder than he'd ever died before.
He died upon a chair,
but he didn't like it there,
so he got up and he died upon the floor!

Once there was a molice pan , saw a bittle lum,
sitting on a sturb cone chewin' gubber rum.
"Mmm," said the molice pan "won't you simme gome?"
"Tinsy on your nin-pipe." said the bittle lum.

While I was passing throuhg Arkansas,
I saw a saw that could out outsaw any other saw I ever saw.
Now, if you are passing through Arkansas,
and see a saw that can out saw the saw that I saw,
I'd like to see the saw that you saw saw!

We miss you Dad.

Only a breath away . . . .

We just reached the one year milestone last week. It was a week of reflection and joy, knowing that he is living large in heaven. We all miss him so much . . . . he is still a part of every day, guiding our decisions and impacting so many people through his legacy of caring for others and inspiring them to do what is right. He would be so happy to know that the marriage amendment has received so much attention and that people are rallying around protecting marriages. He would grin knowing that yesterday, Rachel arrived safely home from a year long exchange program in Argentina. Rebecca is paragliding in the Andes mountains today (she was visiting Rachel in Argentina and will return this weekend) Sarah is snowed in by a huge blizzard in Minneapolis and Drew, Katie and Fiona have settled into their new home in Monroe, WA. and are anxiously preparing for all of us to descend on them this week. We will have a family reunion in Seattle, all 8 of us together for the first time since last Easter. Rachel and I will be visiting colleges and checking out some new jobs. An exciting time of transition. God has had a special hand in preparing the way and we are comforted knowing that it is all part of the grand plan. Thank you for your notes and emails during the anniversary week, it meant so much to all of us.
The second Kent R. Britten leadership award will be presented on April 13. We have sponsored another couple for the Family Life marriage conference this spring, the legacy continues . . .