Loss is such a hard thing to overcome, it seems even harder when it happens so unexpectedly. Most of you already know of the devastating loss my family is experiencing with the sudden passing of our beloved brother Henry. It almost sounds cliche to talk about how special someone was after they pass away but Henry truly was. He was the kind of brother that after his pesky younger sister begged him to take her to see Jaws, he agreed but only if she did not sit next to him. He sat 3 rows behind me until he saw how scarred I was and he then came and sat beside me, not saying a word, then handed me his jacket to cover my face if it got too scary. This is only one of many many times he was the protector and supporter of his siblings. He was the kind of son that when his mother was not well and he knew of her love of birds he found a live pheasant for her to enjoy and bring a smile to her face. When our father was ill and immobile Henry would spend hours massaging his cramping legs hoping for a moment of relief of pain for our father with no regard for his own exhaustion or pain. He cared for both of our parents and did whatever he could to comfort them and bring them joy until their very last breath. He was the kind of uncle to his nephews and nieces that no matter what he had to sacrifice he made sure they had what they needed, often going above and beyond what could be expected from an uncle. He was the male role model for all of our boys and the kind of man we hope our daughters will find. He was the kind of human being we all should strive to be and probably why heaven needed him and called him home. He is at peace now with our parents and his predeceased siblings. We are struggling terribly through this loss but our faith and each other will get us through. Today and everyday be sure to tell the people in your life that you love them but also love yourself enough to be the best you you can be.