Brendan's First Angelversary

Even though we have seen this day coming for a long time, I’m still kind of surprised it’s here.  One year.  One long year since Brendan’s passing.  It’s had it’s up and downs to be sure.  

In contemplating how to commemorate this day, I did a lot of pondering a few months ago.  We would celebrate his life — which we did for his birthday a few weeks ago.  We ate pizza, pears, and Wendy’s frosties — Brendan’s favorite foods last July.  We set off fireworks — always his favorite birthday activity.  

But how do you commemorate someone’s death?  I’m sure on the other side of the veil it’s a celebration akin to a birthday or graduation party here.  A cause for great celebration as we move from one sphere to the next.  But on this side, it’s a little more somber as we reflect and remember the association we have lost.

In reflecting, I remembered this photo that Kristen had taken when Brendan was eight years old.  Brendan had insisted on a picture of him with his favorite book, “Charlie’s Monument.”  Brendan loved the fact that the main character was named “Charlie.”  But he was also deeply touched by the book and had sobbed alone  in his closet for awhile after he read it.

In this story by Blaine M. Yorgason, Charlie, an orphan with no left arm and a deformed back, takes a job as lookout for the city to protect them from Indians.  Each day he carries a rock up the mountain.  As his life unfolds, he suffers tribulation, he learns and loves, and the monument representing his life unfolds.  It’s a beautiful analogy of the life Brendan lived.

So this month our family has read the book and pondered our “rocks” and the “monument” we are building.  It’s a little tough getting through the book with all of our tender feelings. . .

The temple was a “must-do” since it was always so important to Brendan.  It was a beautiful experience being there yesterday with all of our family.  Four generations in the temple with us, five generations at dinner afterwards.  It truly felt like a grand reunion with those on both sides of the veil.

Today we are spending time at another special place.  Primary Children’s Hospital.  It is still a beautiful place for us to be.  We are so grateful we can spend time there giving back in some small way and soaking in the spirit of the place.  (Thanks James and Lisa and Great Harvest for being “Charlie’s Angels” and providing the soup and bread!)

 I know everyone will be remembering Brendan in their own special way.  Thank you for sharing his life and his love.  And thank you for supporting us this past year in so many ways.