BRIAN

Brian David

I was almost thirteen—not nearly long enough,

but long enoughto leave some songs behind.

I sang with the grown-ups in the church choir,

leaning close against my father,

looking up at him as together

we followed the music and sang.

On Sunday mornings

I walked to the altar steps

for the children’s message.

Pastor, you would begin,

“The Lord be with you.”

And I would answer,“

And also with you.”

You cannot say those wordsto me now,

but perhaps when you speak them

to someone else,

you will see mesitting on the steps,

smiling,waiting for another story.

Sometimes it was only you and me.

We talked about Jesus,

baseball,

and football.

Jesus never played baseball—

at least, not that we know of—

but I thinkhe watched me play.

And now I am with him,

where every song continues

and no child

is ever forgotten.

So, when you stand

before the people

and say once more,

“The Lord be with you,”

remember my answer.

I am still saying it:

“And also with you.”

Pastor Larry Laine

A memory of Brian David  8/14/26