Wow! Where do I even begin? Sean has impacted my life for 32 (almost 33) years. Being my younger brother I think I always felt I needed to look out and protect him. I have so many memories that flood my mind when I think of Sean. From the early days of him (and us) racing around our living room circle on our hippity hops during commercials while watching Dukes of Hazard and singing "Yee haw, Just the Good 'Ole Boys." to helping him clean and organize his room while he played the poor little brother card, which my sister and I fell for. He was so stinking cute...with that grin of his.

In more recent years, Sean and I had the chance to catch up while in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico for my brother's wedding. He didn't make a hotel reservation which surprised no one and my husband Joe was coming out to Mexico later, so Sean and I roomed together. We would hang out between activities and after late night jaunts. I remember him telling me all about his work and he was so excited about what he was doing. He had goals and plans and was excited about life, it always amazed me that he had a job before me. He started working as a fireman at such a young age, which was impressive. Anyhow, we were up late talking and laughing (that low laugh that Sean has) and the hotel manager had to come to see who this man was in my room, they were ready to kick him out until I explained that he was just my brother. Sean was ready to embrace love and was so excited to be a dad. He had an ease about him that made people feel comfortable and want to be around him.

A few years ago both Sean and I were going through some rough patches in life. My heart ached for Sean and we spent hours talking on the phone every few days and countless hours visiting. We commiserated with each other and he was one of the few people I could confide everything to. Sean got it and was one of those people that just listened. He didn't try to say anything just to make you feel better, he didn't judge you or your feelings. He wanted to fix things and would do everything in his power to try and help the situation. I liked to think that I was helping him as well during this time. Although, the circumstances that brought us together were miserable, we became so close and I spoke with and saw Sean so frequently during this part of our lives, which I am grateful.

We had a chance to go to Mammoth and snowboard together (or rather hang out at lunch and after wards). Sean tore it up and I couldn't keep up with that kid, but at the end of one day everyone else stopped early and we decided to go for one more run. Sean would get so philosophical and I'm sure many of you could imagine him appreciating life on a chair ride up and then loving life even more with a cold one while we were all done for the day. He really knew how to live and enjoy the moment. He also envisioned Lake Powell 2009 during this trip...and started to make calls to the family to see that this would happen...we will need to honor this vision soon and do another trip...

I will never forget how excited Sean was for me when I told him I was pregnant. He had a heart of gold and I will forever remember his smile when I told him. I am so sad that my children will never have a chance to know him. He was so good with kids and with Keegan. When I look at Sawyer and his sweet, mellow personality and smile I see a glimpse of Sean in him and only wish that Sean would have met him. I know that we will see Sean in our lives everyday and that time will lessen the pain. I just am honored that he was my brother and friend and hope that I will meet up with him again someday.
Love,
Rachelle