Smile...because life is too damn short!!!

It has been nearly six years since my son lost one of his best friends, Brandon. Its like I can remember it like it was yesterday. I was the mom that picked up four teenage boys one by one from their houses to attend his funeral. These were boys that I was used to toting around from skate park to skate park and they would fill my car with the stench of sweaty boys. But, that day was different. As they individually came out of their houses, they were neatly dressed. Some in ties other in pressed jeans and button downed shirts. Usually when they would be all rowdy and asking me to turn the radio up, but not this day. It was almost like they had turned into young men, young quiet respectful young men. I drove quietly, listening to them reminisce about Brandon. They laughed, a lot and that made my broken heart happy...for a brief moment.

One my wonder why I am writing about this today. You see, my son, Brody, now works at the skate parks in our city. Still doing what he and Brandon loved to do. Though he is older and on his own, there have been a few time were i have gone out there to take him dinner or even give him a ride home. Yesterday was one of those days. He needed a ride and as dropped him off a man got out of his car, walked over to him and said, "you're late". The man looked over at me smiled, waved and I drove off. I knew who he was but, i was at a loss for words. It was Brandon's dad, Mike. Here, I was dropping off my son with not a care in the world and then here is Mike, there to watch my son and strangers do what his son loved doing more than anything...ride bikes, skateboard and laugh.

I felt like coward for not talking to him. But in all honesty I don't know what to say. This isn't the first time this has happened either. And just like the times before, it is heavy on my heart for days. I have decided that next time, i will take the time to park my car, get out and talk to him. My words to Mike don't have to be deep, they just have to be sincere and from the heart.

No, I don't know what he is feeling but what I do know is that my son Brody was one of his best friends and Brandon's dad takes the time out of his day to come and watch him. He does this not because he has to but because he wants to.

Rest in peace, Brandon and thank you for watching over my son. You are (not were) a great friend!

The video below was Brandon's favorite song. He would sing it at the top of his lungs without a care in the world. The played it with a montage of photos at his funeral. I will never again be able to hear this song without thinking of him.