This has been one of the most difficult weeks in all my life. My brother dying is beyond comprehension. The tragic way in which it happened is hard to understand. I am so sad.Brian was my friend, my dear sweet friend. He was the kindest man I know who always avoided contention and wanted everyone to be happy. He wouldn't hurt a soul verbally or physically. He spoke with open arms asking for patient understanding and would approach with love and concern. He was a genius, an artist, a brilliant mind, and one of the most gifted young scientists of his generation.
I will never be the same. And yet, somehow through all of this nightmare, I am at peace. God is with me. The experiences of my life continue to strengthen me and given me comfort. I have the greatest family and friends in the world. Everyone should feel this much love.
Adversity is a hard thing to bare but there is hope of a brighter day and of times to reflect on the many wonderful blessings of life.
If you'll please permit me, I wanted to share my brother's obituary beautifully written by my stoic father.
http://www.legacy.com/saltlaketribune/Obituaries.asp?Page=Lifestory&PersonId=128348391
Also, read of his accomplishments, awards, and publications in his scientific field at http://www.ecologicalgenetics.com/CV_%20MAR09.html
Once again, I am so sorry for your loss. Your father did a wonderful job writing the obit, and I can only hope that putting his life into words helped his entire family realize what an amaing person he was. May your entire family and circle of friends have the strenth to carry each other through this tragic situation.
ReplyDeleteAs a heart mom of a boy with your same defect, I can't help worrying about you, and your stamina. Please take care of yourself during this trying time. I believe your brother would want you to be as strong as possible.
our thoughts and prayers are with you guys. I don't even know how to express my sorrow for you guys. Bri was such an amazing guy. take care of yourself paul- this has to be soo emotionally draining on you guys. I know heavenly father will carry you. if you guys need anything- please send my love to nettie. molly lehto koch
ReplyDeleteWe are part of the most amazing family. Brian was an absolutely incredible person and I have learned a lot about living life to the fullest from him.
ReplyDeleteThanks for sharing the obituary, Paul. I'm so sorry for your family's loss. I pray that you'll all feel comfort from the Spirit and the Savior's Atonement during this difficult time. :) I plan to make a donation at MACU.
ReplyDeleteBeautifully written......he looks a lot like you Paul. Our hearts are with you. We are thinking of you always.
ReplyDeleteSomeone told me to cherish the feeling of the spirit up through the time of the funeral because that's when it is the strongest. I have found that to be true. The spirit is so strong after one of our close loved ones pass away. We are praying for you feel that peace.
Talk to you soon,
Michele
Praying for you and your family...with much love
ReplyDeleteA lovely written tribute. We hope that the spirit of peace continues to rest with each of you, especially in the weeks to come. We are thinking and praying for your entire family.
ReplyDeleteLeslie and Jason
How tragic. I am so sorry.
ReplyDeleteNot sure how I found your blog but was hoping it wouldn't be inappropriate to post this here.
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Man, Paul you look just like your brother. What a beautiful obituary written by a beautiful man.
ReplyDeletePaul, I don't personally know you, but I have loved your music for years. I was very sad to hear about what happened to your brother. I know that you have health trials in your life, and to have this on top of it is probably very hard, to say the least.
ReplyDeleteI am glad that you have the gospel and that it brings us the knowledge and peace to know what happens in the afterlife.
May Heavenly Father bless you and your family
I am so sorry for your loss. I know life is hard sometimes, I know your music has helped me through alot in my life. My prayers are with you and your family. Good luck and take care.
ReplyDeleteValerie Keil
A big fan of your music.
I am having a really difficult time with the circumstances that surround the unjustified passing of your brother.
ReplyDeleteBut, truly and most importantly, I send up my prayers to you and your family. That peace be upon you all and strength -your fire.
Perhaps, another day, a walk to the state capital could be done, in peaceful assembly, against the unpredictable repercussions of tasers.
Paul, I constantly follow your blog, I am a friend of your SIL, Bonnie. I love her, your wife and your daughter, I pray your health and strength is maintained until a heart is received into your chest with love and respect to all parties involved.
Sincerely, Jennifer Sieber
We are so sorry to hear about the loss of Brian for your entire family especially his wife and children. We are praying for everyone during this difficult time. Thank you for sharing the inspiring man he was with us. What an incredible like he led in such a short period of time. All our love.
ReplyDeleteWe are so sorry to hear about the loss of Brian for your entire family especially his wife and children. We are praying for everyone during this difficult time. Thank you for sharing the inspiring man he was with us. What an incredible like he led in such a short period of time. All our love.
ReplyDeleteA beautifully written tribute to your brother. We along with so many others pray that the funeral tomorrow brings peace and reflection on the power of the Spirit to comfort.
ReplyDeleteLove,
Alli and Kyle
I am listening to the music on your player this beautiful Sunday and letting it play throughout my house. I love all of these songs! This first song gives me chills! I just have to say I love what music does for the words I cannot express.
ReplyDeleteWow, so sad. Your father did an amazing job! Thank you for sharing, I think its very nice. Your brother's talents and interests continue to amaze me. I'm so glad you are feeling peace and hope you can get through tomorrow w/ the funeral. Its a hard, LONG day, but its also a good day in a way. Best of wishes!
ReplyDeleteLove, Chelsea & John
Wow Paul, I am so so sorry!! It all seems like too much of a nightmare to be true. I will pray for you and for your family. This is so sad.
ReplyDeleteDear Paul, you and your sweet family have been on my mind constantly these last few days. I want to express my deepest sadness for your loss. Your family is amazingly strong and I know that you will find the life lesson in this tragedy. Your family is an example to many that through the hardest challenges in life you stay strong, you don't blame God, You honor Him in his goodness and grace. Thank you for your example. We will continue to pray for your family. Much love, Hilary Cook
ReplyDeletePaul and Cardall family-We are so saddened to hear about the passing of your brother. I pray the Spirit will attend you and all those in your family who have lost Brian.
ReplyDeleteToday is Monday and we ae thinking and praying for you and your family this day. Hope that today is a beautiful day for your family.
ReplyDeletePaul,
ReplyDeleteAs I read about your brother, Brian, last night in the Daily Herald, I cried for you... I sometimes wonder how much a person is required to go through in this life. It made me reflect on my own life. In two years time I lost my husband, my son was diagnosed with cancer and my little Alex was born with HLHS and received a new heart. Hard?? Yes...But I have made it through. Back to you...Thanks for the strength you give me. I hope that you are comforted at this time by a loving Heavenly Father.
Ann Stewart (Alex Stewart-HLHS-Transplant-2008)
Brian's obituary is beautifully written. It is Monday, the day of his service. I am in constant prayer for your entire family to feel the Spirit; to be comforted; to even be uplifted. May the Lord's tender comforting be with you all.
ReplyDeletePaul, Lynette, Eden, and Cardall family - So sorry for your loss. I'm hoping the tragic blow is softened a little by all the love, family, friends, and of course your faith.
ReplyDeleteI am so sorry for your loss. So sorry for all that you are going through. Tragedy is difficult but I hope with your faith you are able to get through it and support your brothers family. My prayers and thoughts and HOPE are with you and your family. God Bless.
ReplyDeleteTami
Thatchers mom
Paul, I'm so sorry to hear about your brother's death. It is so tragic, but it is obvious that your faith is carrying your through this tragedy. Thank you for sharing his story with us.
ReplyDeleteTo my other family--- Paul, Lynnette, Eden (what a doll!) and extended family:
ReplyDeleteWe are so sorry to hear of your loss. Being able to read and learn more of Brian is as much a joy as knowing what he was able to accomplish in such a short life. What an awesome young man! Love, hugs and prayers...
I don't know if appropriate, but admittedly one of my first thoughts after the sorrow for loss of a brother named Brian; was if he was a possible heart donor for you Paul?
If anyone doubts what MUSIC can do for the heart, soul, wholly enlisted being...it only takes listening to just one of your many songs and cd's. I know the pain you went through losing your friend Dave. Perhaps now a Brian farewell---
We sure miss you and miss talking to you! I know you're very busy with all you're dealing with personally as well.
Please take care and do us one favor; please give Anna a huge hug from us!!
Dave & Sherese :)
sherese.nsoninfo@yahoo.com