Thirty three years ago today, my brother Brent passed away. He was killed in a motorcycle accident at the young age of 27.
I was in Tennessee with Mom, Dad and our dachsund Schatze when it happened.
Looking back….the trip was ‘off’ from the get go. My Grandma had been very upset with me for choosing to go with my parents rather than stay with her. Our little Schatze hurt her back on the way to Tennessee. The air just felt unusually tense. It was too hot. Something in the motor home broke. We came home from the Grand Ole Opry and there was a message to visit the office. My Dad got the call. The news was devastating.
Today is not for recounting all the ugly details. I’ve done that before and truly, there is no use going to that painful place today. The interesting thing is that I journaled about every moment during the trip. Even without looking back, the memories are as vivid in my mind as if they had happened yesterday.
Today is for acknowledging my brother. A beautiful, artistic soul who has been said to have been born ahead of his time. A creative, warm spirit that I was just beginning to really get to know. A man who served his country and loved living overseas.
I miss him terribly. I often wonder what he would be like today and wish I’d gotten to know him as an adult; and that my children could’ve known their cool uncle. I am incredibly thankful for his presence in my life for any amount of time. Time. Treasure it.
Suffice it to say, there is a space in many hearts that will always be only for Brent Eugene Suppes. He is extraordinarily missed.
As his wife always says, “Forever Young”. True story.
God bless you everyone. Breathe in the moments, for the moments are all we have.
SUNKISSED SOUL 