What a Man, What a Man, What a Mighty Good Man!

I'm not sure if a funeral can be good, but I feel like when it comes to funerals, Travis' was a good one. No one deserves such a wonderful tribute as my brother T. All my brothers did an amazing job, and I truly felt the spirit lifting me up so that I might be able to deliver my talk. Now it's on to the next step of this whole ordeal.

A lot has happened in the past week and I feel like I need to rewind a bit and write about all the wonderful men in my life.

Travis' 36th birthday was the day after he passed away. I know it was hard for Mandy to know what to do, but throwing him a party to celebrate his life was perfect! It was the perfect setting, with the perfect people. I was surrounded by family and some of Travis & Mandy's close friends. We sang Happy Birthday and then all of the kids let off 36 balloons up into the heavens for Travis to enjoy. After that we ate cake and the kids played wiffleball. Considering the circumstances, I felt it was the perfect way to honor and celebrate T.

I've spent a lot of time with my brothers these past few weeks and I am continually amazed by all of them. I am SO lucky to have such wonderful men in my life. I've watched how strong they've all been through this. I've watched how loving and caring they can be. I've watched how helpful and supportive they've been. And I've watched how much love they have for their little brother T. I truly feel honored to call them my brothers.

Another man that has been an example of strength to me is my dad. I know this hasn't been easy on him. I know it was killing him to watch Travis suffer. I know losing your son can't be easy. But yet, he continually amazed me by his positive attitude and humble ways. I'm also impressed by how well he held it together while he said the family prayer at Travis' funeral. I know he was really nervous to do that and if I'm going to be honest, I thought he would break down for sure. But the spirit was strong with him and he gave a beautiful prayer. I love you dad!

And last, but definitely not least, I've gotta pay tribute to my hubby. He has been absolutely amazing and supportive through it all. When we found out T was going on hospice, he took off that whole week of work so that I might be able to go and be with Travis as much as I needed. And not once did he complain when he had to take care of the kids and be the mom while I was gone (which was a lot). Through this all he has been so in tune with the spirit. He has said and done things for people that they didn't even know they needed. Just when you think a person can't get any better, they do.