My brother, Frank, passed away suddenly on Monday night. He was 41 years old. My mother came home to find that he had fallen down the basement steps and died from a blow to the back of his head. It was a great shock.
I never doubted that my brother was a good man. He was the "free spirit" in our family, and spent his 20's following The Grateful Dead and Phish. He loved his 13 year old son, Quentin, more than anything; and my mom second to that. He always had a smile on his face and loved to talk sports, music, and the great outdoors. He was very intelligent and an amazing cook. In my last conversation with him, on Saturday a week ago, I told him he should open his own catering company-he truly was awesome. Pierce says one thing he really admired about Frank was how involved he was in his son's life. He was his baseball and basketball coach, and Quentin was definitely Frank's best friend. In looking at pictures this week, almost all of them were of Frank and Quentin. Even though I feel appropriately tied to my responsibilities, the thing I loved and admired most about Frank was that he had the courage to quit his job and go off in the wilderness for weeks, or follow Phish not knowing where he would sleep the next night or how he would eat. He was an adventurer and found a way to accomplish the things that brought him joy.
We miss him, but I truly believe he is now free to learn the gospel and gain strength away from his addictions. I hope my Grandma Grier, who died 2 years ago, is up there setting him straight! Draven said tonight that Frank is in heaven with Heavenly Father and Nephi-I really liked that.
Please pray for my Mom and Quentin.
7 comments:
We love you guys and you have been in our prayers.
The gospel is amazing how much comfort it can give in times like this!
Let me know if you need anything.
I am very sorry for your loss Jenn, I remember the good things you had to say about your brother when we were up at Girls camp, I know you loved him. I agree with Lindsey, the gospel is amazing and really is a comfort when faced with lifes moments such as this. I like Dravens statement, Frank is with Heavenly Father and Nephi. The little children know. Don and I are praying for you and as with Lindsey, let us know if there is anything you need. :) Love ya!
I'm so sorry for your loss. I know how difficult losing someone you love is. But everyone is right, the Gospel & the spirit it brings to our lives is the most comforting thing we can surround ourselves with. Children are so in tune with the spirit. It amazes me sometimes!
You all are in our thoughts & prayers! If you need anything at all, please let me know.
Jenn..I can't imagine your feelings of loss...I would just be a wreck if one of my brothers were to pass away...and I don't talk to them or see them half as much as you did your brother.
You and your family have been and will continue to be in our prayers.
And, I think Draven was absolutely right and if you grandma isn't giving the man an earful, I am certain that Nephi is....kids are so astute.
I'll be thinking of you as well. What a great comfort the gospel is. So many things we can get through because of our knowledge.
And three cheers for Nephi!
I too, even though I have never met your or yur family, can feel the pain of your loss. It sounds as if your brother had many struggles, and had difficulty feeling comfortable in his life. But it is always tragic when the father of a young boy is not there for him as he goes into adolescence. I trust you will watch out for him.
I held you in my arms when you were just months old. Your father and I were friends. It was the end of the sixties and the end of our innocence. With you gone another link in the chain of my meories has faded away. God bless, Fourthy.
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