Song 2: More Than Fine-Switchfoot

When I wake in the morning,

I want to blow into pieces.

I want more than just ok, more than just ok.

When I'm up with the sunrise

I want more than just blue skies.

I want more than just ok, more than just ok.

I'm not giving up, giving up, not giving up now.

I'm not giving up, giving up, not backing down.

More than fine, more than bent on getting by.

More than fine, more than just ok.

When I'm lit with the sunrise.

I want more than just a good time.

I want more than just ok, more than just ok...

Jon Foreman sings of pursuing life with more gusto and lasting purpose than what normally dominates the common, pedestrian approach to life in the 21st century. We seek small things: no hassles, green lights, no flats, no arguments, plenty, no suffering, a modicum of happiness, and a fairy tale ending. As I hear stories, see pictures, and review our conversations, I see that Ian wanted a life that was more than "fine" and spent his time and money investing in depth - deep relationships, meaningful experiences, lasting return, and eternal hope. Just think about his work out approach - he was not giving up to be in shape and drag as many people as possible into shape with him. He pursued holiness with the same energy through accountability groups, giving his resources and time, in private conversations and dragging friends to worship. This may mean he was a "A, B, C" student, got little sleep and was full-on busy - but he sought to suck the marrow out of life. He may have lived 19 years - but those years were definitely "more than fine!" He inspires me to pursue the same set of lasting virtues and live "more than fine!" Now that he sits in the presence of our Father - Ian is certainly "more than fine!!!"

Song 1: Magnificent-U2

I was born, I was born
To be with you in this space and time
After that and ever after
I haven't had a clue only to break rhyme
This foolishness can leave a heart black and blue, oh, oh

Only love, only love can leave such a mark
But only love, only love can heal such a scar

I was born, I was born to sing for you
I didn't have a choice but to lift you up
And sing whatever song you wanted me to
I give you back my voice from the womb
My first cry, it was a joyful noise, oh, oh

Only love, only love can leave such a mark
But only love, only love can heal such a scar
Justified, till we die you and I will magnify, oh, oh
Magnificent, magnificent, oh, oh

Ian could join full voice with Bono in this song and groove with the Edge's classic riff and the great bass line laid down by Adam. Of course tunefulness was not Ian's gift, but heart was. He was born to sing and worship Jesus with all his being - in this space and time and ever after. We imagine the music Ian must be composing now in heaven and the songs God has given him to sing. I can't wait to hear them!! Only love hurts this much when we are separated. Only God's love and eternal promises can heal the scars left behind. God you are magnificent. Enjoy the praise offered by Ian, offered by his friends and family even in the midst of tears.

Yesterday, today, tomorrow....

Music has been a uniting force in our family. We all have our favorites, early on it was "Message in a Bottle" for Daniel Edward Zientek Pogue, "Janie's Got a Gun" for Caylea Pogue (yes be a bit afraid!), the Chile Peppers for Ian Redeemed Pogue, anything by Third Day for Lanette Pogue and The Who's whole repertoire for me. These tastes evolved through CD purchases, Spirit West Coast, ACL, and other concerts. Regardless, when we couldn't understand each other - a song would help close the gap.

Ian in particular was a person who was fueled by and exuded music. He went through all phases of music styles loving them all - classic rock, new wave, jazz, screamo, blues, soul, indie, worship, and even a bit of country (poor kid...). I see him and hear him in lyrics of songs, in the back beat, the riff and melody. Sharing music with Ian - whether listing to a song in his car, via video on YouTube on his computer, having an impromptu concert in the living room, or playing with him in a band at the Stone was a special experience - it was in music that his heart was revealed.

From time to time, I would like to share some songs that express to me who Ian is, what he valued, and how we feel since he has gone home to be with our Father in Heaven. Here they are in reverse order so the newest is always on top.

Conversation with Ian during the NBA Finals updated

FIrst, Ian would be replaying the LaBron James commercial with repeated dunking "as a warm up"

Ian: D-Wade is so tough, hamstring and all, keeps playing hard with great energy

Dad: But the Heat were best when he was on the bench in Game 6, the James + shooter lineup is their strongest one.

Ian: But D-Wade kept them in the game early with his drives and creativity.

Dad and Ian: Did you see that layup, foul and score by James!!! He is an animal!!

Ian: Wade's on the floor and scores! He has one of the best with one-handed shots.

Dad: Manu is back - playing hard. About time - winning the turnover:point ratio.

Dad: Tight first half - the old men didn't fade - they came up fighting the big 3 and their young bucks.

Ian: The Heat will wear them down - Wade gets his third ring.

Ian: WooHoo - great steal, James pass and big Wade dunk. Love it when D-Wade dunks it. They win this one - it will be two championships in a row - gotta be talkin' about dynasty.

Dad: Dynasty??? Seems a bit premature. They need to have a big more success in the next few years before that sort of talk. Two in a row is special there.

Ian: You just don't like the Heat and are bitter that OKC aren't playing in the finals!

Dad: I am a bit bitter - the Heat have 3 of the best players in the league - a bit unfair and yes, I wish OKC was there again. That said, the old guard in the Spurs versus the young bucks - the Heat - makes this a very special series. Can the Spurs finish off with 5 championships in the Duncan era?

Dad: The Spurs, especially Green, cannot buy a 3!

Ian: LaBron has 3 already in this game. He is the real deal. Whoo Hoo, Wade with the runner!

Dad: Dude, I took your advice - been running with Danny the past three weeks. Ran 4 5K's and did two kettle bell cardio weight exercises in a week and a half.

Ian: Dad, I knew you could do it. Are you running explosive off your toes or on your heals?

Dad: I am trying to run on my toes, lean forward and use my arms. Still not good on my toes.

Ian: Two more 3 pointers from LaBron. This may be too much for the Spurs. Keep running and exercising and you will be lean and sexy.

Dad: Hope so! Want to share some salsa and chips? Spurs back up!!

Ian: Always - love chips and salsa  more than Ice cream. (Dad makes sound resembling - "Hurumph, no.") Chamer's with the bank-in 3 at the buzzer! Heat up by 1 at end of the 3rd.

Ian: The Bird-Man - takes the charge, then keeps the play alive. He is the true Wild Card. Spurs look slow off the floor and Anderson keeps giving a spark. Battier has been insane -5 for 5 three pointers!

Dad: Battier finally missed! Duncan made a great follow up.

Ian: Lucy has really grown up! Darker colors and busy chewing on everything! Can't believe our little puppy has grown up so fast.

Dad: This is probably as big as she will get. Makes is a nice size. Wait till you see her respond to peanut butter ball! She goes crazy - really loves PB and hops into the crate to enjoy it!

Ian: Chamers makes that 3 and it would be a knife. Wade looks hurt or shaken up? What is a "clear path" call?

Dad: Not sure - odd call and play? Heat has ball again - Wade scores again on a jump shot. I am not sure if SA has enough offensive punch. Ginobli has two turnovers in the last three possessions - similar to Game 6.

Ian: Heat is "heating" up - their jump shots are falling from 2 or 3.

Dad: Time for Spurs to make a move - they are down by 6. In this close game, that is a big number. SA fighting back!

Ian: Back up by 6! Battier continues to fill it up!

Dad: Duncan with a crazy shot and Bosch gets his 5th foul.

Ian: Wade continues to score. Spurs better make a move! Woooo! Leonard makes a 3 for the Spurs. That dude is only 21. Chamers missed two free throws.

Dad: Pop left Parker on the bench!!! Are you kidding me - he is his best player! A minute left and we are 2 points apart. You gotta put your money on the court.

Ian: Duncan is SA's best player - but he just missed a point-blank shot at the rim. That hurts. Look at him on the bench - Duncan is showing emotion! He knows that shot was the difference maker.

Dad: Spurs cannot score!!!! Time out Miami with 39 seconds left.

Ian: James scores again! We are looking two-peat! Up by 4! LaBron has won using the jumpshot!

Dad: I agree. He has become such a complete player. Ginobli - another turnover.  They needed Parker - he is the one that can penetrate, score or dish. Ginobli is panicking. We are looking like the game will be over soon.

Ian: The Heat has always been my favorite team. Best in the world- baby!! Wade sinking freethrow and the game is now over!! Back to Back!!!

Dad; Great game - the Heat earned it. Too much defense, too much firepower and the Spurs just didn't have enough gas to pull it out. Game 6 was their chance and they let it slip away.

Ian: Love seeing Wade win his third ring. He has always been my favorite player.

Dad: I know. Good choice - he is honoring you and all his fans. Love you E! Great watching Game 7 with you. Thanks!!