In Loving Memory

What do you say about your baby brother?

As most of you know – I am the second mom – the tough cop if you will. David and I had a special bond we are old souls. I have been praying for the right words to say to honor this most wonderful fascinating example of Gods work…

I remember the day he was born – my mom needed a refresher on lamaz because there is a bit of time between Julia and David. So she rented a VHS tape to remind her I guess how to breathe through the pain – yeah ok – anyway she told us that is was so unrealistic that she was laughing sooo hard that her water broke. That’s how David came into the world – hearing laughter – and he wanted that to never end.

The other day David called just to remind me about the time that I brought him to museum of Natural history – he couldn’t have been more then 10 at the time- and taught him that some dinosaurs are more closely related to birds while others more to reptiles depending hip structure – “I just wanted you to know Gen that I really did learn something when I hung out with you and had a lot of fun” He was always proud of his big sisters and he wanted me to be proud of him. So that’s what I would like to do – I would like to tell you why I am proud of my brother.

My baby brother heart was filled with love for others. From the time he could walk – we would be at an out door concert and would go to every persons blanket around us to give them a hug.
He was my buddy he came everywhere with me. Babysitting, church, and he would tag along without complaint. He just wanted to hang out and I loved having him with me so it was a win - win.

As a big sister you tend to goof on your little brothers wacky hobbies – like sleep overs at the malls for DDR, Hawaiian shirts, goofy hats, and anything else in general that you can… but I am proud of David for marching to the beat of his own drum no matter what people thought or said he was who he was and did what he did – but made sure that he said and did it nicely.

I am sooooo proud of the father he is. I chose the last song where the line reads, “There could never be a father who loves a daughter as much as I love you” truer words could never be spoken about David.

In a time like this, everyone questions what if I just did this more, less, different, better. But I know that my choice today is not to let David’s legacy to go unfulfilled. Never look down on someone unless your helping them up – If you want to make yourself feel better cheer someone else up. So David I am going to show you how proud I am of you by being and doing what you did that touched so many people. I encourage you to all do the same. I will always love you and I will always have you in my heart. ~Genesis

I'm glad to see all the people who have been in your life, and loved you. I now cherish your cheesy profile picture. I miss you more than I can say or think. I wish I could just hear your voice one more time. My life will never be the same. I LOVE YOU!!!! ~Julia

Ever since i first met you, i had never seen you without a smile on your face. never have i heard anyone say one bad thing about you. keep on smiling up there. you will be forever missed.

I don't even know what to say! There aren't words. Thank you so much for making my first year teaching so much fun and so interesting. You were always a funny kid who made me laugh a lot. We had some good times in my second period class that year and I will never forget them, nor will I ever forget you. Thank you for the privilege of having known you. Thank you for always taking my kidding and jokes in stride. Thank you for having the good humor to have fun at my expense as well. Thank you for teaching me that it is OK for teachers to have a sense of humor. Most of all, thank you for your continued friendship and love throughout your high school career and afterward. You touched a lot of people with your kind heart, warm personality, terrific sense of humor, and love for everyone, no matter what their circumstances. You will be greatly missed my friend. May God bless you, your family, and all your friends. Rest in peace.

These are just a few of the hundreds of comments made about my nephew.

David was my brother's son. I hadn't seen him since my mother's funeral in 1988 when he was just a baby. They live on the other side of the country. While I kept in contact by phone and email with Fran the circumstances never seemed to work out for a visit.

I am deeply touched by all of the beautiful tributes left by so many friends and family. I am sorry I never had the opportunity to know him. However, this tragic event has brought the family back in contact. I have spent many hours on the telephone over the past weeks. Family members that had been lost...now have been found.

Thank you for all the prayers, comfort , and advice expressed on behalf of my family. Please continue to pray for his mother, Fran, sisters, Genesis and Julia and daughter, Alexis.