The first one was written by Chris Brunt (a childhood friend of Brian's)- it was published in the Post Register!
"Stop and Smell the Roses" Published Idaho Falls Post Register April 3, 2013. By Rev.Christopher Joseph Brunt.
"After taking some much needed time away from social media recently, I made a reluctant return to the electronic ether of the internet. Upon my return, I discovered something very startling. As I clicked away at my message notices on my profile page, I kept seeing strange hints at the absence of a name that belonged to an old friend. Digging and digging into past posts and mentioned statuses, I was slammed back into the moment and lurched into the bright Maglight of now by realizing that this friend of mine had in fact passed away. A former confidant and multiple-time partner in youthful “crime” had quickly left this world in a snap of mother natures blurry fingers. He left behind a spouse and several children. I had just had lunch with him a few months ago. We talked of spending time in warm locales and meeting his family and friends in the new place he called home. He gave me some very important tips on staying motivated and buoyed my confidence up by validating my running for office at the time. And now, here I was, lost in a moment of confounded silence. All voices, plans and desires were placed on pause. Nothing mattered in the future, plans momentarily suspended and the only thing important was that moment I was currently in. All alone with the realization that the world had just gotten a little stranger and less friendly because a dear friend was no longer around to enjoy or commune with. Now as I sit here and type this short article I have to urge those reading this to maybe try something right now. Stop! Just stop worrying about the pathways and challenges of tomorrow. Stop, for just this second, putting emphasis on what your arch nemeses alternate color political party is planning on forcing on the nation or what the end game of your work schedule should be. Sit here right now, as you are reading this and clear your mind. Now, think of one person you are thankful for in your life. Stop and think of just one individual in your world who makes life worth living and brings a smile to your face. As i truly miss my friend from New Mexico who meant so much more to me than he will probably ever know, I urge everyone who reads this to not let a minute go buy today without thinking on someone. Think right now on a person in your life who defines who you are; someone you know that makes living worthwhile. As we plan for the future whether it be a day or a decade away, don’t let an opportunity to stop and smell the roses while being grateful for the roses having been there to smell when you so desperately needed them pass you by."
The second article was written by Sandy Fields in Portales, New Mexico:
"When a Young Man Dies"
"When an old man dies the community comes together to pay their respects. Family and friends gather. People who never knew the man, but know his grandchildren. People who work where the man used to work. Great-grandchildren who saw him on holidays when they came to town, and know him through the three or four favorite stories passed down through the generations. Many of his peers have already passed on. Others live still, but are too frail to attend the memorial.
Photos are shown from a black and white, by-gone era… as if from a dream world. Music is soothing. Tears are healing. The final chapter complete, the bittersweet sigh of sadness and relief. When an old man dies.
When a young man dies his family and friends come together to make it through the moment. People who knew him well. People who shared a meal with him only days ago. People who were laughing and making memories only hours before his passing.
The photos aren’t dreamy… they’re from our life. Our faces. Our clothing. Our celebrations. The stories are fresh. Emotions are choking. His life is shared through vivid and recent stories. Lives are forever changed. When a young man dies."
