19 years

I woke this morning, the 19th anniversary of my brother's death, to a full heart. It wasn't one of sadness, rather I had a lot on my mind. My good friend's brother died last week and she has constantly been in my thoughts and prayers. I am devastated for her and her family knowing, to some extent, what she's going through. It's interesting, this experience with my friend, has given me better perspective and I'm left feeling an overwhelming sense of gratitude. Grateful for God's plan that I will see my brother again. Grateful time heals. Grateful for an eternal family. Grateful to have had the opportunity to know him. He truly lived an amazingly full life in his 18 years.



While I sat in front of the computer this evening looking over images of him with my girls, I shared and celebrated with them the person he was. This was not the first time I've done this, but it does seem no matter how much we talk about their uncle Alan they always have another question to ask. I told them how he use to tease me, how he made me laugh and even cry. I told them how he looked after me and the times he included me in his fun--and boy did he know how to have fun. I told them how he had a testimony in Jesus Christ and how excited he was to serve a mission. I told them how he was compassionate and loving and good.

He always lived life to the fullest--never worrying about tomorrow and fearing nothing. I will forever be grateful for his example in my life.