Our attention toward and various celebrations of Wilson in recent weeks culminated at his commissioning into the US Army as a 2nd Lieutenant Infantry Officer on Saturday. It was beautiful, sobering, full of hope & promise and overwhelming all at the same time…
“Wilson Geyling is from Goleta, California. He is graduating with a Bachelors of Arts in History and Humanities. He is branching Active Duty Infantry. He is being pinned by his parents, Rolf and Trish Geyling, his siblings, Max and Olivia Geyling, and, in spirit, by his youngest brother, Rudy Geyling, who sure would have been happy to be here today. May he rest in peace. CPL(R) Joe Zombrano, U.S. Marine Corps will now render 2LT Geyling his first salute.”
The following day, the veterans in our church prayed over Wilson. It was rich and sacred.
Will you join us in their prayer?
As if we hadn’t packed in enough goodness for one weekend, we tacked on a performance of Les Miserables at the Pantages in Hollywood. I’m so glad we got to see this together as a family…it’s one of my favorite productions.
I remember when I first saw Les Mis, I was deeply moved by the theme of redemption and love throughout the whole story but this time around, as I watched young Marius and his peers battle for freedom and reform, I cried the tears of a mother of a young soldier and sobbed at Jean Valjean’s prayer…
Click here to take a listen…
Hear my prayer
In my need
You have always been there
He’s afraid
Let him rest
Heaven blessed.
Bring him home
Bring him home
Bring him home.
If God had granted me a son.
The summers die
One by one
How soon they fly
On and on
And I am old
And will be gone.
Bring him joy
He is young
He is only a boy
Let him be
Let him live
Let him live
Bring him home
Bring him home
Bring him home.
Oh! So moving! Almost too much for this tender heart of mine.
Here’s another link to the whole 10th anniversary concert performance online…by far my favorite cast.
Sandwiched in between all that was Rolf’s birthday…it seems fitting he spent his birthday investing in his family. I’m most grateful for the thousands of ways he invests in the children and influences their lives…critical thinking and humor are at the top of a very long list of attributes he is passing down. Happy Birthday Rolfi!
Rudy's Beat 
These photos are FABULOUS. Rest up now, dear one. So, so glad you were able to do all of this. Praying for you, love you.
Sent from my iPhone
>
What a beautiful posting and what magnificent pictures. You and your family are simply beaming. What a pleasure it is to see such sincere success in so many ways!
Don’t know if my last note was sent to you or to the far reaches of space. What I said was that it sounded like a perfect weekend in every way. And jammed with all sorts of meaning. What a great service for Wilson and Rolf’s birthday complete with Les Miserables. So glad that worked out and you built even more Geyling memories. Seems like it’s time to rest, regroup and ENJOY the fun!
Sent from my iPhone
>
So happy the family/ friends gathering for these special events, and much celebration!
I’m so glad the grandmas and Gracie could be there with you all!!! What a blessing!! Yet very sobering….praying for you all!!
WOW!!!!! on so many levels! SO SO SO proud of Wilson and his accomplishments and his commitment and dedication to our great land. So happy for you and your family and all who gathered to celebrate. You all continue to bless and inspire those around you. I agree with you, Trish, Les Mis has always been one of my favorites as well. I love you dearly and keep Wilson in my daily prayers. I love you!
So proud of you Wilson! Rudy would be (is!!) on Cloud Nine celebrating his big brother’s achievement. Your family is an example of what makes America great. Blessings to you all, and to you Trish for sharing the joys that lift you above physical woes.
Thanks Trish for sharing these memorable moments. As for that song in Les Mis, I always cry. Heck I have tears now just thinking about it. Love and big hugs to you and fam.
Yes, happy birthday Rolf!! Hardly a day goes by that you do not all come to heart and mind. Watching you do life, celebrating, even going to see one of our favorite musicals Les Mis makes us smile. No again and again you’re in our prayers. love much! Hank and Jeanette