41 years was not enough.

I remember the first time I saw you. I was so excited for you to come as a one month old to our house that I said I was sick so I could stay home from school. That was the beginning of our relationship. I became your babysitter, you were “my” little boy. I remember how sensitive and carrying you were, even as a toddler. While babysitting, I would pretend to be asleep, you would come over and shake me to wake me up, to make sure I was OK. We had fun.

41 years was not enough.

You were the one I saw grow up, playing soccer and basketball, learn to drive, develop your own personality. When we moved to Arizona, you became more like a little brother, teasing and being teased. I saw you make and develop friendships that continued into adulthood and they are here now for you.

41 years was not enough.

I saw you fall in love, marry the girl of your dreams, and from that love came a little boy of your own, your Mini Me. Then a little girl, the apple of Daddy's eye. Then, time went on, life takes over until it doesn't any longer. And in a blink of an eye, you're gone.

41 years was not enough.

That’s the first thing that popped in my head when I heard you were gone. Only 41 years, that wasn’t enough time. Still so much life to live, so many memories to make.

But, you leave behind your story:

Your parents, who loved you as only parents can. You were their little boy, their hope for the future.
Your brother, who looked to you as little brothers do, and as an adult with admiration and respect.
Your aunts, uncles, cousins: they say cousins are the first friends a lot of us have and in your case that’s true. You were abundantly blessed with a supportive and extended family.
Your wife, your true love, your life partner, your soul mate. No one ever thinks about “’til death do us part” will come so soon.
Your children, your pride and joy. I know you loved them with every fiber of your being and they will carry on your legacy.
Your extended family and friends. We too share the loss. Missed celebrations, missed laughs, missed antics.
Your community: I've seen over the past few days the extent of your circle of influence. Young lives you've helped shape.

God only knows how we will go on without you in our lives, Brendan, but we will do it, because we know what’s what you would want. And I was happy to be part of your life, if only for a moment.

41 years was not enough....but it was filled with love! RIP Brendan

I first met Brendan shortly after he was born. Dan and Maureen opened up their office right across the street from where I lived in Grand Haven. I started sitting for him when he was still very young. We had so much fun and he was always my little buddy. I was very sad when Maureen told me they were moving to Arizona shortly after Evan was born. My family was moving away which is never easy to handle. I was thrilled when during one of their trips back to Grand Haven, the family stopped into my office so I could meet Banji and the kids. What a wonderful man he grew up to be with a wonderful family. I will always keep the little blond headed moppet in my heart. Brendan - I love you and when I think of you it will be with sadness for you having left us too soon and with gratitude for the time you were here. I’m sure you will be watching over everyone. Sending love...

Barb

Brendan at Journey Church in proud daddy mode, his pockets filled with sippy cups and diapers, and a blanket over the shoulder