There was a big freak storm in late spring/ early summer 2020 when I was staying at Isaac's house in town for the weekend. It knocked out the power for the night and following day because of all the trees it brought down. We spent the night trading his little tegu back and forth to keep him warm since his heating went out (he was still a little guy at the time) and the following day rather than sit at home Isaac was out in his truck first thing in the morning looking for people to help with removing downed trees and clearing roads. He has always been the first to lend a helping hand with whatever he could and be a good neighbor.

Before one of our drills in the 133rd Isaac asked me if I wanted to go get some dinner. We went and got pizza, but we didn't eat the whole thing and Isaac didn't want to waste any of it, but the dilemma was both of us had ridden our motorcycles. Without skipping a beat, Isaac got his gear on then put the pizza on his tank and headed down the road to drill. It was one of the funniest things ridding behind him while he balanced a pizza on a motorcycle. He managed to not drop it and offered it to some of the other guys at drill. This was him being his normal goofy self and still caring for others. We miss you brother but you are in a better place.

Isaac surprised me with his Blue- Tegu this year.  He was walking through the halls of our school with a giant lizard on his shoulder. I did a double-take and said "woah!" I told him my students would love to see her, and he said he would love to share. He was so wonderful in how he interacted with my 4th graders. A truly kind and confident gentleman. I am honored that I had the opportunity to meet him, and I am grateful for his dedication and service to our country. My deepest condolences go out to his family. 

I remember the time you (Cheryl) and Isaac were passing through and spent the night at our house in Illinois. He slept in his sleeping bag on the sofa in the front room. He was quiet, not having too much to say to a couple of Looper moms talking about Looper mom things. :-) By the time I came downstairs the next morning, his sleeping bag was already rolled up, everything put away, and you couldn't tell anyone had even been there. If I recall correctly, you and he planned to stop at a nearby railroad museum after leaving my house that day. I'm glad you were able to stop by. <3 

Christ is risen indeed!  May God show His grace and mercy to you and your family as you mourn the lose of a son.  I hope that you are reminded of your Baptism and Christ’s resurrection.  I always enjoyed going to y’all’s house and playing baseball in your backyard and hanging out with Isaac.

In Christ,
Stephen Brynestad