If I could say anything about Brian, it would be that he was so full of life. I've known Brian for as long as I can remember...we grew up going to the same church and we are cousins (even though it's far down the line:) We made our "acting" debut together around age 5 when we were shepards in our church's Christmas play. We were both Odon Bulldogs - I was the cheerleader and he played basketball. I clearly remember a birthday party he had at his house (one of our first boy/girl parties) where we played a game of softball, then played hide-and-seek at night with flashlights. Everything was fun with Brian - he made everyone laugh and was the life of the party. He was always being sooooo silly - teasing everyone or mooning us when we least expected it. What a hoot!
We moved on in school to North Daviess - where Brian met the love of his life - Jen. They dated all thru school - and were voted "cutest couple" of our senior class. I remember our senior trip (to Turkey Run, I think?) and Brian canoeing - we all hiked the trails and met up for lunch. That day will always shine very bright among my memories.
After high school Brian and Jen got married - one of those perfect love stories that everyone envied. No one would have imagined what happened next...how Brian was taken away from us doing something he loved so much. No one expected that the hunting trip on the day after Christmas would be Brian's last. My heart broke on that day for all the guys on that hunting trip, for Jen who had just become a widow at a VERY young age, for Brian's parents who lost their sweet son, for the ND Class of '99 who just lost a classmate that they all adored, and for my own loss of a childhood friend.
Gabe and I decided after this long, heart-wrenching talk about Brian, to go on a 4wheeler ride to the cemetery right by my mom and dad's house to visit Brian's grave. On our way there - the sky turned this amazing orange color with huge white clouds billowing upward...and as we looked up lightening began to strike. I absolutely love what Gabe said next: "Brian is putting on a show for us - showing off like usual:)" We both had a big laugh (which is what Brian would have wanted) and then headed to his grave. This was our view that evening:
We miss you like crazy, Brian - and we will continue to live life to the fullest every day in your honor. Love you!
But here is my favorite part - inside are two silhouette's of my little man!! I sent two pictures of Max and a sweet woman named Vana drew silhouette's based off the photo's!! The top one is just a side view of Max's face, the bottom is Max playing his little guitar. Isn't it sweet?
It's hard to do any jewelry justice in photos, but you get the idea:) So pop over to 
As soon as I took this picture I started going thru this whole "symbolism" in my mind. In alot of ways, Max has acted as a life jacket in my life. Ok - I know it sounds crazy, but stick with me. My life reminds me of a boat ride in alot of ways...most of the time speeding along on calm water, almost taking my breath away as I look around at the beauty and breath in the sweet summer air. Sometimes there are waves, choppy water that slows you down a little. No big deal, just life throwing me some curve balls. But sometimes the boat sinks...which happened about a year ago for me. When you realize you can no longer stay afloat...water starts flooding in, problems grow huge and the water pulls you down. I couldn't breath, couldn't swim, felt helpless. 
