A Tribute to the "Johnny B-Goods"

John Bridwell, Jennifer's uncle, passed away last week at the age of 61. During complications at birth, Johnny was born with a mental handicap. Through the help of family and friends, Johnny was able to graduate high school, work a job, and live on his own in a small apartment. Johnny and I had 3 really big things in common. First, he was a follower of Jesus Christ. Secondly, Johnny was a big part of the Bridwell family (Jennifer's family). Third, Johnny loved sports.

In fact, Johnny loved to pick football games. Johnny never gambled or bet any money, but he picked who would win every football game every weekend. He picked every high school game in the Fort Worth area. He picked every college game listed in the newspaper. And he and his brother, Chuck (Jennifer's dad), picked every NFL game every weekend. In our family, we have a tradition called the "We are Family" Bowl Pics. It is a LITTLE family competition, and we pick the college football bowl games every year. Johnny loved to pick the underdogs. And in 2005, Johnny won the "We are Family" Bowl Pics and his name will forever be engraved on the family trophy.

Over the last 10 years, Johnny and I also competed against each other in fantasy football. His fantasy football name is the "Johnny B-Goods" and mine is the "Mississippi Mullets". This past weekend we played each other, and it was very sad and surreal. Normally, on the weeks that we play each other, he would send me an email saying something like, "Watch out for the Johnny B-Goods!" or "R U ready for some football?" or "The Mullets are going down!". And, of course, I would talk trash back to Johnny. We had a lot of fun playing against each another.

Well, if you think about it this week, please say a special prayer for John Bridwell's family, especially his older brother, Chuck (Jennifer's dad). Chuck helped take care of Johnny, and they were closer than two brothers could ever be. The memorial service is this Saturday in Fort Worth, Texas. We all know that Johnny is in a much better place, but he will be greatly missed.

It is well...
Jonathan