Bryant Dustin Chappel came into this world on Saturday, February 3, 1990 at 11:17 in the evening. From the first breath, Bryant has lived life on his own terms fast and faster. From a speedy birth, to learning to walk early, it was full steam ahead, nothing or no-one was going stop him. My favorite memories of Bryant and I together will always be "The great white worm hunter," the beginning of his protecting and standing up for the less fortunate at the early age of 3. I thank God everyday that he has grown into a young man that is so much like his dad, loving, compassionate, strong, spiritual and loyal.
I asked his dad for one word that described Bryant and he said, “enthusiastic” and he is truly that. Everything he attempts and accomplishes is done with so much enthusiam and animation. Like trying out for a school play his freshman year of high school with no prior experience and landing the lead, then after graduation applying and interviewing for a job with CDW and landing the job, much to CDW's surprise at the age of 18. I have watched with the extreme joy of a mother's heart as Bryant has grown and matured into a strong Godly man, who has now met the woman he loves and that will love and stand by his side for the rest of his life.
- Kandy Chappel
Laken Marie Tevis was born on September 23 1989. She was so adorable, I loved her from the moment I saw her. Laken was such an easy baby, obedient, cheerful, smart, easy to please, then she turned 4. She began her quest for things to always be fair (disappointment was in store for her). She had an opinion about everything, stubborn to the core. She excelled in school even though she was the youngest in her class. Her teachers told me she was a great story teller, a natural comedian, a real entertainer; that I can contest to. There is never a dull moment with Laken around. She has talents coming out of her ying-yang; writing, acting, singing. Her memory was a big part of her talents, learning her lines in her many plays, remembering the words to songs lickety-split.
She could converse with older kids and almost make them believe she was their age. Many of them wanted her to hang out with them, Amazing, considering she was very small for her age. Now that she is an adult and making her own way in life, I am still amazed and so very proud, she always wanted to help the underdog; her compassionate, loyalty and sensitive nature showing through every day (the trait she got from me). She knows what she wants and doesn't ever settle for less, that’s why I’m not surprised she said yes to Bryant’s proposal. I believe Bryant loves and adores her so much he didn't want to wait to marry her; he wanted to marry her in the 11th grade. It frustrated him that I said they weren’t old enough. Shocking me!! I know Laken has found the love of her life that is a rare and wonderful thing. I pray that god blesses their marriage.
- Tonya Tevis
