4/18/10 Words from Family on his 33rd Birthday

Beginning of ceremony, from Brian's girlfriend Jessica:
Today we are here to celebrate Brian's life. He would have been 33 today and I am positive we would have been here celebrating. Even though he is not with us physically, I believe his spirit is constantly with us. While today is a sad day for us, I believe Brian is at peace, and enjoying his birthday with Tim and others in Heaven. He is finally free of pain, and free of his addiction. These two things are probably his most desired birthday wishes. As we say our goodbyes may we remember the best parts of him. We will remember the great times, the lessons he taught us, and the adventures he gave us, but also keep in mind why we are here today. Please take in the nature that surrounds us and feel his presence while we share our goodbyes, and send his ashes back to earth, where new life will begin.

Spreading his ashes, from Brian's girlfriend Jessica:
As I stand here in the place you loved so much I struggle to let you go. This is way to final, and its difficult to say goodbye. Brian, when things were great you showed me the beauty in places like this. You taught me about nature and the history behind it all. You helped me learn to appreciate my surroundings and look for the untouched beauty in nature. Thank you for these gifts.

When life was tough I know you struggled to get through each day. I know your hurt ran deep, and you fought to stay afloat most days. With this realization I know you are in a better place. I know you are free of your pain and addiction. I know you finally have true happiness and joy. It is my hope that as I release you back to where you came from you will be intertwined with the new life that is soon to follow.

I will never forget you, I will always cherish you, I will keep you alive through my words, my tears, and my joy.

Happy Birthday Brian, may you finally have everything you ever wished for.


 From Brian's Mom, Terri:
33 years ago, Brian came into this world. Today we celebrate Brian and his life. We strive to ask the question: not why did Brian die, but why did Brian live? The last few months I have rereading old journals piecing together parts of the 33 years Brian and I spent together. Like all the significant parts of life, the pieces range between being wonderful and moderately horrible.

It would never do to add wings and halo to the figure of Brian. But, we would all agree about his most endearing qualities: He was a warm compassionate human being, exuding warmth, thoughtfulness, fun, engagement, love of nature and all its gifts, especially water.

33 years ago, Brian emerged from my watery womb. Today, 33 years later, I offer his ashes back to the watery womb of the earth. I celebrate his rebirth into living water and river rock of Glen Rose, into the nature that he cherished, into awesome creation complete with dinosaur tracks, power and beauty, into eternity, into the arms of his father – both of his fathers: his earthly - earthy father Tim, and His heavenly father, our everlasting, loving God.
 
 
From Brian's Brother, Patrick:
My heart weeps for our loss, and the mind nags of what could have been. The knowledge of your peace and freedom is soothing to our souls. As I talk to you, and others gone before, I find an honesty wash over me in which a purity is restored. I hear you in the silence, and I see you in the dark. I feel your hands upon me; they calm a broken heart. I feel your will within me, reassembling shattered parts.

I know what you would want for me and what I have to do.

Life’s true path will be revealed with every single step. But with your love, your will and strength, the reward’s within our grasp. We did not bring you here today; you left a part behind. The wind’s become your voice, and the water, your embrace. The ground will hold your human shell, and every fire we shall see, flickers your remembrance.

We know what you would want for us, and what we have to do.

Hallowed ground, beneath our feet, is timeless as the stars. You commingle with the universe and all who’ve gone before. We release you from our clutches, through release you may come in. This is your new beginning, the one you sought so long. The battle’s finally over; you knelt and dropped your sword. The darkness cannot reach you now; you’re untethered and of light.
 

From Brian's Sister, Colleen:
Brian,

Eight months after your death I still can’t believe you’re gone. I miss you every day. I miss your smile and your good advice; your great cooking and your enthusiasm for Ranger games, camping trips, and doggies.

When I take Buddy to Rickel Park, I think of you. When I eat a really terrific steak, I think of you. When I see a beautiful sunset, an incredible moon, or a crazy Texas storm, I think of you.
We still laugh, we still have fun, we have found new ways to live. But life will never be the same without you, and I have a Brian-sized hole in my heart. The biggest comfort to me is that your pain and suffering have ended, and you can rest in the arms of your Dad. I love you and I will never forget you, Brian.

Deep peace of the running waves to you.
Deep peace of the flowing air to you.
Deep peace of the quiet earth to you.
Deep peace of the shining stars to you.
Deep peace of the gentle night to you.
Deep peace of the infinite peace to you.


From Brian's Uncle, Gerry:
Today we are here to celebrate Brian’s life. He would have been 33 today and I am positive we would have been here celebrating. Even though he is not with us physically, I believe his spirit is constantly with us. While today is sad day for us, I believe Brian is at peace, and enjoying his birthday with Tim and others in Heaven. He is finally free of pain, and free of his addiction. These two things are probably his most desired birthday wishes. As we say our goodbyes may we remember the best parts of him. We will remember the great times the lesson he taught us and the adventures he gave us, but also keep in mind why we are here today. Please take in the nature that surrounds us and feel his presence while we share our goodbyes, and send his ashes back to earth, where new life will begin.