Saturday, April 19, 2014

Semper Paratus, Dear Bryan




I cannot even write this without weeping. I have not been present here at Belle, Book, and Candle due to the death a week ago of my 30-year old nephew Bryan. He was killed in an automobile accident in Charlotte, North Carolina where he lived with his parents (my brother and his wife) while he finished up his college education.


After high school, Bryan served four years with the U.S. Coast Guard and then joined the Air National Guard. He was extremely proud of his military service.

He loved movies and would watch his favorites over and over. He often entertained me by quoting entire scenes of dialogue and one-line zingers from so many films. He enjoyed music and had been in his high school chorus. One year he performed with the group in the Macy's Thanksgiving Day parade.  His fondness for animals led to his bringing home many stray cats to care for...often to the chagrin of his parents.

As you might imagine, this has been an extremely difficult and heartbreaking time for those of us who knew and loved Bryan.

This week, I am spending private time in New Harmony, Indiana. Last month, I had arranged to rent a cottage in this historic place that is hardly more than a village. It was founded as a Utopian community in the early 1800s. There are many quiet gardens and spots to rest and reflect here.

All I hear from my seat on the cottage's screened in porch are birdsong and the soothing sound of a nearby church bell chiming the hours away.

It is the perfect place to try and begin life again without our sweet, sweet Bryan.

18 comments:

  1. So sad. :( I will pray for you and his parents. Hope the stay at the cottage will be a good one. I can't imagine the pain you all must be feeling.

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    1. Thank you, Laura, for your kind words. I appreciate your prayers more than you know.

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  2. Belle
    Please accept my my most sincere condolences.

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    1. Thank you so much, Tullik. It is comforting to know you are thinking of me and my family.

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  3. Dear Belle,
    Please accept my condolences to you, and to your family at the loss of Bryan. To lose someone so young must be so terribly shocking and difficult. I wish I could find the right words to say, but, there really are no right words at a time like this. Just know that I am a praying sort - and am praying for all those missing Bryan now and in the many months ahead.
    Penny

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    1. Penny, your prayers are so very much appreciated. It is a comfort knowing that I am in the thoughts of so many people. Thank you for taking the time to express your sympathy.

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  4. Oh so sorry to read of the sadness that has come into your world and that of your family. May you come to peace in the days ahead.

    Joyce F

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    1. Thank you so much for your kind words, Joyce. It has been a difficult time for us all and your expression of sympathy means a lot to me.

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  5. My deepest sympathy to you and your family. Your nephew sounds like a wonderful young man, increasing the tragedy of his death.

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    1. I sincerely appreciate your comforting words, Joan. Bryan had a big heart and his many kindnesses to me will continue to live in mine.

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  6. Dear Belle, I'm so, so sorry for your loss. I was getting worried about you and just happened to check your blog today (the 20th)-for some reason this post didn't show up on my blog. Wishing you and your family peace and healing.

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    1. Thank you so much for your wishes for peace and healing, Kathy. It has been a heartbreaking time for me and my family and it is a comfort knowing we are in your thoughts.

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  7. I am so sorry for your loss -- I hope that you manage to find at least some small solace in your cottage. Your blogging friends are thinking of you.

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    1. How kind of you to write, Vicki. It is a great comfort to know that I am in the thoughts and prayers of so many at this difficult time.

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  8. So sorry for your loss.

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    1. Thank you so much for taking time to express your sympathy. Your kind words at this time are very much appreciated.

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  9. I am really very sorry to hear about your nephew, Belle. So sad.

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    1. Thank you, Kat. It is a very difficult time for my family right now and your kind thoughts mean a lot to me.

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