We miss you like crazy, kiddo. Wish you were here. A year ago today my nephew was suddenly taken from us very unexpectedly. This past year has been hard on the whole family as one would expect. It has been especially hard on holidays, birthdays, and family gatherings because there is always someone missing. I miss a lot about him, I especially miss his humor and the way he was with his siblings. He was the quintessential big brother. My absolute favorite memory of him was from the last time I ever saw him - right after Christmas last year. Matt, Alice, and I went over to their house to give the kids their gifts and as a gag gift we gave all of the kids whistles that you play with your nose (every kid needs one, right?). Well you'd think it would be an easy thing to do, just blow, but there is actually a technique to it. Right away the younger kids were able to do it, but Wes and Ally weren't able to despite a good effort on their part! Watching the two of them laugh and get so frustrated put such a smile on my face and definitely made the purchase worth it. Even now it makes me laugh just thinking about it. Now I don't know if it's my favorite because it's the last time we saw him, because certainly I have many fond memories of him, but it's definitely one I think about often as I remember good times we had with him.You were taken before your time, and I will forever miss you.
