A Heartfelt Thank You

Thank you to everyone who left words of encourgement after last week's events and to those who said prayers for my family. We were uplifted by all the kind thoughts -- those that were expressed and those that remained silent.

Mark Twain once said: "The fear of death follows from the fear of life. A man who lives fully is prepared to die at any time."

My cousin and friend was full of life in his short time in this world. He was a friend to many, and I never saw him when he didn't smile at least once -- whether it was a broad grin or that sly little smirk that unveiled he was in on a joke no one else knew.

More than 1,000 people stood in line for up to two hours to bid farewell. Many tears were shed, and a few smiles were shared. He didn't discover some medical cure or write a novel that touched millions of people at once. Instead, he did it the hard way. One by one.

Rest in peace, my little brother. God be with your young children. It is our duty to guarantee that while they may not remember you physically, they will always know your spirit. You were kind, and you were generous.

You were my friend.

And I love you.