The last time we saw you

Brian posing next to a skeleton at a museum in London, during  a stopover visit from his trip to India  in February of 2011. His last profile picture on Facebook.

Brian and Pia, his sister. He and Janet had visited her in Eugene, Oregon, and this picture shows the Willamette Bridge behind them, the same bridge where they all danced on the very same night.

Our last view of Brian is this and the next one, Brian and Butters down on the floor at our cottage in Port Orford, taking a nap after July 4th parade and lunch in Port Orford.

We had never seen him happier.

Happy 33rd Birthday Brian!

Brian, July 2011
a week before the accident.
a man
in love.
Happy Birthday, son.

Learning Lessons.

Port O'Call, Southern California, St. Vincent's Bridge, Long Beach.

We talked about you yesterday
the time you sped down the Simi Freeway
from a job that went sour
and got a speeding ticket.

You were polite
and thoughtful in the Judge's chambers
opening the door for me
holding the chair before I sat down
contrite with your whole body
choosing your words carefully.
The Judge studied your demeanor
and gave you a pass
allowing you to drive
for work and school and community work stint
at the local golf course.

You didn't mind the hard work
soon scouring old shops for good clubs
getting friends to join you in
learning a new sport
in the place where you were making amends.