A few thoughts

Friends,

Your support has meant so much these last few days. How could words ever express the appreciation? I have been thinking about some things that I wanted to share:

Though it is difficult to write and possibly sad to read, I wanted everyone to know a little bit about Brenan’s last day with us. I hope that you will feel comforted, as we did, that Brenan felt absolutely no pain. We had pain medication at hand, and his mom did a wonderful job keeping it on schedule. In the times when we asked Brenan if he had pain, he said “zero.” I feel very sure that he did not feel any pain at all.

Brenan was strong enough to walk (with assistance) and talk up until the last day. When he woke up on Sunday morning, he was very weak and sleepy. He slept in his bed most of the day with the loving presence of family around the clock to lotion his hands, wet his mouth, and cool his face with a wash cloth. Though Brenan talked in his sleep, he never cried out in pain, grimaced, or seemed uncomfortable. He just slowly, softly, and beautifully slipped away from us until he took his last breath. Though our hearts broke, none of us felt that he had suffered. This brought me a great deal of peace.

Brenan’s faith, determination, integrity, and love for his family were evident until the very end. I know that we will all remember him for such qualities.

Brenan wished to be cremated and have his ashes sprinkled at Lake Powell. His ashes have been stored in a box made by his grandfather for the time being. Tomorrow, we look forward to sharing time together to celebrate his life and the impact he had on us all. -Jess-