You were born at 1:25pm on 1/25. I still remember everything about our day; the beautiful blue sky, the temperature, the hospital, the nurses and the best moment when they handed you to me, you looked up at me with those big blue eyes. Our first formal introduction. And every year on your Birthday, I would call at 1:25 and wish you a Happy Birthday. I will always make that call. So, my dearest Bran, it is 1:25, you have a call on line 1.
Brandi. Happy birthday in heaven. I'm thinking about you on this day, a day that should have been so much different...
I know you are with us always even as you are in the arms of the angels, but I miss your presence and bubbly spirit!
Just know that I'm loving you, missing you and celebrating you from this side of heaven.
Dad
Brandi's afterlife
There is a little more light in the universe tonight.
Thank you to my dear friends, Sue and Daryl Weeteling, Brooke Strandboge Laster, Jennifer Strandboge, and Maggie Strandboge Yoways. I can't think of anything Brandi would have loved or wanted more than her own star.
Brandi's son Christopher provided a tribute to his mom at the service. Here is a copy of what he said:
My mom was the most loving, caring, loyal, kind hearted, mother, daughter, sister, wife, friend, person anyone could ever hope to know.
She gave us many reasons to live a better life as well as something to look forward too.
It is our responsibility now to honor her passing with our lives, to be the people she loved, the people she believed we were, believed we could be.
There is only peace for us now in knowing that there is peace for her.
Otherwise it's all too much to bear.
But just as her love for us far outweighs our mistakes and we are forgiven by her, so too does her peace outweigh our grief.
I love you mom and I know you are closer to us now than ever before.
And I am thankful for that.
This post is from Christy Welsh via Facebook
I am still in shock. She was a wonderful, caring, funny person. She had a heart of gold. She always cared about her friends like they were her family. Brandi Ann Rowe you will be missed. The world is not going to be the same without your lovely smile and laughter. I hope you are resting peacefully my friend.
LikeShow more reactions CommentShare 9BeccaKay Wyckoff and 8 others 1 share Comments Samantha Runnalls I'm so sorry for your loss friendThis post from Christine Fisher (Drexler) via Facebook
Beautiful morning spending time with Brandi AnnRowe's family. So blessed to be a part of their lives and here with them. Reading God's Word and remembering my sweet friend.
LikeShow more reactions CommentShare 7Colleen Caldwell, BeccaKay Wyckoff and 5 others Comments Crystal Rosales Tannery I just saw this... I'm praying for her family and friends as they go through this difficult time. I have so many memories of her from Rushmore Ct. I can still hear her laughter. Love and Miss youThis post from Jennifer Rabe via Facebook
On this day I say goodbye to my Best Friend Brandi Ann Rowe. We have been friends for 29 years. I may not be there with family and friends but I'm there in spirit. Love you Brandi Ann. RIP
LikeShow more reactions CommentShare 52Michael McCauley, Brooke Strandboge Laster and 50 others Comments Susan Williams So sorry baby girl Like · Reply · 2 · March 23 at 2:03pm April Ann FelixThis post from Christine Fisher (Drexler) via Facebook
Christine Drex added 4 new photos. Yesterday at 10:41am · Parker, AZ ·
Leaving Havasu...but I know my friend is dancing with the Lord. Boy, this place is close to Heaven... thank you Colleen Caldwell, Steve, BeccaKay Wyckoff, Chris, Michael McCauley, Dustin, and John. You all made me feel the love of your family. We will miss that crazy girl forever!
This story is from Brandi's friend Michael C Perea and I have copied it here with his permission:
Brandi,
I cannot believe that you are gone. This is not how it is supposed to happen. Even though we have not seen one another in person for a long time, thankfully we've been able to stay close through other means and I feel like not a thing has changed between us. I am grateful for the memories of our friendship that will always stay with me.
I remember when we first met waiting at the bus stop on Peachwood. You befriended me at a time when I had few friends after relocating from LA to OC.
I remember your mom driving us to summer school at THHS after our sophmore year, and how we would argue over which radio station to listen to during the ten minute drive. Naturally, you always got your way, but more importantly, she became my mom too.
I remember working at Ralph's with you and about seven of our classmates. I don't know how the bakery made any money after all the "samples" we ate.
I remember carpooling with you in your white Ford Pony to Costa Mesa for work training once a week. That thing was so slow that it barely kept us alive on the freeway, and somehow, we always found ourselves at Taco Bell on Fairview after class.
I remember us being so happy on graduation day, and our moms dorking out and taking way too many photos of us in our cap and gowns. Those are still my favorite photos from that day.
It is so very bittersweet to see the outpouring of people who loved you and valued you as a friend knowing that you will no longer be with us. This response from so many is a testament to your kindness and vibrant personality. I will forever miss you my dear friend, and will always remember the times that we shared. Rest in peace.
