I am the very proud Mother of my beautiful “baby boy”, Brian, (we called him “Bri”). Bri was only 41 years old when he died suddenly of a heart attack. He lived in Tacoma, Washington.
Bri was a Momma’s Boy. He even had a “Momma’s Boy” tattoo that he showed off proudly! He was a loving son, a loving brother, a loving husband, and a loving father. Bri was a father to 5 beautiful children. Bri loved being a father, and he loved his children very much. He was a very hands-on Dad, whether it was doing manicures, playing with Lego’s, reading books, coloring, going on “adventures” to the park, playing music or having a dance party… of course there was dancing!
Bri was also a loving friend to anyone that was inside his circle. Family and friendship were Brian’s most prized possessions, and he cherished them both deeply. Quite simply if you were part of Brian’s family, you were most obviously a friend. But even more importantly to Bri, if you were his friend, he considered you family. He was extremely loyal to his friends and family. Bri would always be the first to stand up for the underdog and Bri had a big heart, a big smile and a big love that was unconditional. He had the ability to make the best of any situation. He had struggles in life, as we all do, obstacles and roadblocks along his life’s journey, but rather than dwelling on the negative, Bri had the ability to see the positive side of things and continue moving forward. Bri was a free spirit who just enjoyed living. He found the good in people. He found humor in every situation. He always found a way to make people smile and laugh. Bri could recite song lyrics or lines from a movie at the drop of a hat. His quick wit and great sense of humor were unmatched.
Although Bri was known as the “life of the party” and a social butterfly, he was more than that. He was also very intelligent, sentimental, and good-hearted. Bri was a hard worker with a very strong work ethic. He also loved looking at the stars at night, and spotting his favorite bird, an eagle, in the sky. He loved his family and friends with all his heart. He had a gorgeous smile and an unbelievably beautiful soul.
I am so proud of Bri for being an organ donor, although I am not surprised that he was. That was Brian – always doing what he could for others.
If you’re struggling or having a bad day, just do what we do … ask yourself “What Would Brian Do?” And the answer is look for the good in others, laugh often and share your smile, and by all means, dance!
