Sharing an excerpt from ‘Goodbye, Butterfly’ on Brenda Keller’s birthday

Brenda Michelle Keller would have been 47 years old today. She left this life more than 34 years ago at the age of 12, but most people will never have the impact she’s had on myself and others in her far-too-short life.

Like many folks, I think of Brenda often, particularly on her birthday and on the anniversary of her shocking death. That so many people are still talking about “Goodbye, Butterfly: Murder, faith and forgiveness in a small Kansas town” 18 months after its release is humbling and heartwarming.

It’s a clear message that Brenda’s story and message are lasting. As I’ve done on other birthdays, I’m sharing an excerpt from the book, including words from her mother, Tracy. This section in Chapter 14 (A Plea for Life) is from the sentencing hearing of Brenda’s killer in April 1992.

“I long to have Brenda come home, to see her around the corner and hear her whistling. I didn’t need to see her. I could usually hear her coming, and I long to hear her come through my front door. And, instead of turning on the TV and play with her friends, she would come find me and hug me and say, ‘I love you, Mom.’”

Tracy told the Court about all the things she missed about her daughter. She would no longer go on long bike rides or walks with her. She no longer had a “coach” to encourage her to push herself. She would never get to see her daughter play basketball or jump the hurdles in track. She would never look in the paper and see Brenda’s name on the honor roll. She would not get to experience the things mothers cherish: the first date, graduation, a wedding, and Brenda’s children. She would never have her daughter sitting next to her in church as they shared their love for Christ.

“She’d get as close to me as she could,” Tracy said. “It’s gone forever. I can’t ever get that back.”

Brenda would be proud of her parents today. They battled incredibly difficult times for years after their daughter’s passing, especially Tracy, who questioned her devotion to God. All these years later, Bob and Tracy continue to honor Him, and Brenda, through faith.

Happy Birthday, Brenda.