Facebook

I signed up for the social entity - Facebook, about a month ago. I'm not too sure about all of it because there is a lot of stuff going on. The majority of people on my page consists of some old friends from where I grew up in Ohio and many of my friends are from Kentucky, primarily where the kids grew up on the farm and the Catholic Church we attended and the schools they attended.

One of the girls that I knew from church who attended the school with Brian posted a photo of the Confirmation class from our church in La Center. You know, it's a strange thing but I never know when the thought of Brian is going to hit me hard, and seeing him way back then really did me in and I had to sign off the computer completely.

My hair dresser and good friend, Kim, and I were talking this morning about how it feels losing a child. She said because she has never lost one but she can't imagine the feelings. It can be unbearable some times just thinking about him - doesn't matter that it's been nine years. I had hoped to write down how it was taking care of him for all the years he was here at home, but I don't know if I could get through it. I'm putting it off until I have no interruptions and no responsibilities. It is very depressing to think back to that time.

Brian was such a special person. I can still hear him laughing. He was a big tease, thoughtful and loving.

The youngins that my boys knew back then that I now read their Facebook comments are grown with teenage children. It is wonderful, though, they remember Bob and I, and especially the kids. It's a small farming community where everyone knows everyone. Pot lucks, get togethers, and Bible School in the summers are common. It was a great place for the kids to grow up.

Nine years

I am doing a lot of room changing recently which meant going through lots of files and packing up photos and stuff. I came across an envelope which was stored between some photo albums. On the front of the envelope the return address was from The White House, Washington, DC. I opened up the envelope and inside was a document stating "The United States of America honors the memory of Brian P. Sullivan. This certificate is awarded by a grateful nation in recognition of devoted and selfless consecration to the service of our country in the Armed Forces of the United States. It was signed by William J. Clinton, President of the United States.

And, with the document was a photo of Brian when he was serving in the U. S. Army.

I had forgotten we received this and it brought back so many memories of Brian. We took flowers to his gravesite on the ninth anniversary of his passing. It is difficult to adjust to how the time has passed since the night he left us. He was so sick. I know he is in a better place now, but I really do miss him and his laugh.

I have recently joined Facebook and many of the friends he went to school with are on the same Facebook that I am, including many of Brian's close friends. It is wonderful to read about their lives and their children. I know each of us has a part of a plan that God has in motion for us. I have to realize that Brian fulfilled his part and God needed him in Heaven. I believe also that Brian's life touched many especially when he was sick.

Please take care and God bless.