Nathan Branson
Whatever you read here is a way for me to hash out ideas until I can talk about them in real-time with whoever is willing to join in.
The Family Gathering Habit that Made Me an Extrovert
I Had a Good Childhood (Part 2)
"Don't wait on other people to speak to you first. Speak to others first."----My Grandmother, Thelma Darr
I have been told that I am an extrovert. I took a test recently called "16Personalities" which identified me as an extrovert. I’m not a big fan of labels, so I normally push back and question the terms of . . .
Posted in: hospitalitymemoryreunion
Is it Possible to Replace My Brother Who Died in 2007?
On the Gift of Friendship in the Grief Process
Those who are grieving the loss of a friend or family member will encounter many pieces of advice. “Everything happens for a reason.” “Time heals all wounds.” “Everybody grieves differently.” Many of these one-liners are tricky to navigate and often feel empty. At times these phrases may offer more confusion and complexity than comfort about . . .
Posted in: brotherhoodgriefmemory
What I Learned Working at Branson’s Auto Service
Every Business has a Culture, I Hate to See This Culture Die
My parents decided to close their auto repair and tire business last week, December 21st 2018. My great grandfather JO Branson opened Branson’s Auto Service in 1959. He then handed it down to my grandfather Ed Branson, who then handed down to my father Elliott Branson. My parents have decided to close the business and then put it up for sale . . .
Posted in: business culturecivic lifemanual labormemoryteaching yourselfthe american dreamwalt whitmanwork ethic
Does "getting over" someone who has passed away mean that we erase our memories?
My Brother and I were "Kindred Spirits" When it Came to Music
June 10th will mark 9 years since my brother Daniel and his girlfriend Suzanne passed away in a car accident. I am self-conscious of openly writing about this topic, in fear people will shake their heads thinking "Yea, Nathan just won't let it go," or "Nate is such a melancholy person." If I am a melancholy person, I . . .
Psalm 139, Questions and "Being Known"
It is a human to want to be known. To be known in a way where the people around you understand the different parts of your personality, for some reason, brings peace of mind. To "be known" may not be as necessary as having food or water for survival, but it is certainly a part of staying mentally sane. I talk to my former room-mates . . .
Posted in: christianfriendshipmemoryprayerquestions
The Reasons People Give for Not Attending Their High School Reunion
A Reflection on My High School Reunion
"Work hard to bridge the gaps in geography and lifestyle because the older you get, the more you need the people you knew when you were young.” - Baz Luhrman
In the winter of 2012, the announcement was made that my 10 year high school reunion for the class of 2002 would be a joint reunion with the class of 2003. The East . . .
Posted in: face to facefriendshipmemorymillennials
Storytelling Serves as Key Part of the Grieving Process
My brother, Daniel, passed away in the summer of 2007. He was working at a Christian summer camp in Andrews. One weekend, he and a group of friends went to an Atlanta Braves game. Tragically---Daniel and his girlfriend Suzanne died in Atlanta in a car accident after the right front wheel broke off the Jeep they were riding in on the way home. . . .
Posted in: brotherhoodgriefmemorystorytelling
