HIs birthday was October 15. It was difficult. We decided we wanted to have a really big celebration and do a balloon release. But that it would have to be on October 16, since Grace would be gone all day for a band competition. So we spent Saturday, the 15th, getting ready.
Sunday arrived. We had borrowed canopies and tables and chairs. We got that set up. We had brisket and sausage and hamburgers going. We decorated. I cried a LOT with all the tasks. It made me so incredibly sad to celebrate what should have been a wonderful day without him here.
People started to arrive. Several friends from high school - they were seniors and the last class to have actually had school with him - arrived and visited. Also his best friends - Austin and Dylan - came. Then more people and family came. I guess there was maybe 40 people? Maybe more. People brought food - because it's something he really enjoyed. We had a rock painting station for everyone that wanted - to paint a rock in his memory for a future memory garden. We gave away sunflower seeds - because the inside of a sunflower is a natural fractal. And he LOVED fractals. Stories were shared. And just visiting with everyone. We finally had everyone get a balloon and we moved to a clear space and were in a circle. Steve and I spoke and others shared a few thoughts and memories. And then we released the balloons. It was very emotional. My nephew cried. Dylan was crouched on the ground overcome with emotion. (Dylan was in the other car and witnessed the accident so I imagine his grief can be overwhelming).
Eventually everyone started to leave and clear out. We also raised money for the scholarship in his name. We raised $750! Mom stayed and helped clean up tables and chairs and canopies. It was an exhausting day. I wish I had something more profound to say. But I don't. (Pics are out of order and I didn't feel like organizing them)
