Brian

Brian is my brother. He is the smack-dab-in-the-middle child of five. Brian is the finial of the scales, holding the intellectual and the peacemaker in balance with the perfectionist and the complete blend of all siblings. Brian represents hope, endless potential, youthful innocence, and love. He is ever present among us. Brian watches out for us all while able to live an idyllic life free from daily stress. We draw strength from Brian. He balances us and yet, none of us really know Brian.

That's right, we don't know Brian. Brian has always been the picture of the baby in the flowing, cotton, christening gown that has been on the end table for over fifty years. The small, oval, gold framed photo depicts perfection - a baby, pure and innocent, newly welcomed into the faith of his family. The picture has always represented the love of our family. A center. An anchor. Brian was physically with us for a short, four month period of time and yet he is a presence that will always be smack-dab-in-the-middle of the family. Frozen in time, Brian will always be perfect. He did not have time to make mistakes, hurt others or let anyone down. For four months he was living proof of the love of his parents. Brian's earthly presence has been housed in my mother's heart. For fifty four years he has been the graphic reminder of the love of family.

Here's to you, Brian, as you exist in the perfect place. Here's to you, as you watch over us and guide us. Here's to you, as you balance us. How can someone forever small have such a big impact as the center of a family? Thank you for your consistent presence. Thank you for your constant reminder of love, Brian, our middle child.