I wasn’t going to post anything today, but shortly after I woke up I had a smile on my face and I wanted to share with you all.
Today Brian would’ve been 21.
Many of you didn’t know that Brian loved most things that had the flavor peach.  I had a bottle of peach wine that we were saving to celebrate after is last chemo treatment which would have been this Wednesday.
The last time we were at the doctors he asked if he could have a cigar.  Unfortunately, he was not able to do either one of them.  He also asked me when we were packing him to come back home in September to make sure I packed his winter boots because he was going to go hunting with Mr. Joz and also to pack his cigar box.  I finally opened up his cigar box and apparently he was also into pipes. [...]

As a parent we always think that our child is special but clearly Brian touched so many people in so many ways no matter what the age was.  We were so very overwhelmed by the amount of people that came to Brian's wake and patiently stood in line for hours to give us their condolences.  We loved hearing how Brian touched each and everyone of you.  It makes the healing process a little easier if that's even possible.  The outpouring of prayers and support still continues to leave us lost for words because we are so touched and grateful for our family and friends.  We just want to thank you whether you sent us prayers, dropped us off a meal or photo album or just kept us in your thoughts.  Thank you again from the bottom of our hearts.  The life that we had will be very different than the life that we have now but as i used to tell Brian, different doesn't necessarily have to be bad.  Remembering Brian's spirit and who he was ... we'll find our new new. [...]

We are saddened that on Christmas Day (but are extremely happy that it could not have happened on a better day - Jesus' birthday) Brian lost his battle with cancer.  We know that he is in a stronger body and is already up there with his big smile, kind heart and great sense of humor.  Visitation will be held on January 3, 2018 at Ahlgrim & Sons Funeral Home, 330 W. Golf Road, Schaumburg, IL (847-882-5580) from 3:00 pm - 9:00 pm.  The funeral will take place on January 4, 2018 at Willow Creek Chapel, 67 Algonquin Road, Barrington, IL at 11:00 am.  We want to thank everyone for everything you have done for us.  Our family and community have been so strong and supportive with us and we love each and everyone of you. [...]

We'd like to take this opportunity to wish everyone a Merry Christmas!  As most of you know, Brian's cancer returned and he is now in hospice where he is finally resting.  They're keeping him as comfortable as possible.  If anything changes, we will, of course let everyone know.  Thank you for your continued prayers and we appreciate everyone's support.[...]

We wanted to let everyone know how thankful we are to everyone who attended the fundraiser this past Sunday at Real Time Sports.  Your continued support and friendship to us is unbelievable and so overwhelming.  We had been hoping to attend the event but unfortunately, Brian had a set back this past Friday and had to be transported back to Rush University Hospital.  They have found more inflammation on his brain and he's experienced a lot of little seizures over the past few days.  They are doing everything they can to keep him comfortable and we're praying things will get better.  We cannot thank everyone enough for your prayers and want to wish all of you a safe and healthy Christmas and New Year's.  With your continued prayers and well wishes, let's hope 2019 will be a much better year for Brian.[...]

We're so sorry for the delay in getting an update to everyone ... we never thought our lives could get any more hectic.  Anyway, Brian spent the last two weeks at Rush Rehabilitation Center and has started to make improvements.  He is being transferred tomorrow to Transitional Care of Arlington Heights so at least we will be closer to home.  We're praying for his continual improvements as small as they may be.  We have a long way to go but with everyone's continued prayers and thoughts, we know in our hearts that Brian can do this.  Thank you to everyone for all you have done and continue to do for Brian and our family.[...]

Brian is doing a little better ... he is still at Rush but they moved him yesterday from ICU to the Neurology floor.  They are still working on the right combination of medicine to keep the storms under control.  They started physical therapy and we're hoping they will begin therapy in order to remove the feeding tube.  We are starting to look at rehabilitation centers that specialize with traumatic brain injuries.  We would like to thank everyone who has stepped in to help with Jimmy (our new puppy), bringing food and offering all their help.  Please continue to pray for Brian ... we have a long road ahead of us.  Thank you.[...]

As many of you are aware, Brian was transferred to Rush University Medical Center last Saturday.  Alexian Brothers was treating him the last week for seizures but after some time they could not get the seizures under control and felt he should be transferred to Rush.  Once he was there, Rush assessed him and determined he was not having seizures but actually has what they call "storming" which means he has a rush of adrenaline that he cannot control.  So now the tricky part is finding the right combination of medication in order to get the "storms" under control.  The storms are due to where the tumor was located in the brain and where the treatment had to be given.  It's going to be a long and slow process but we're very happy with the doctors at Rush.  Please continue to pray and wisdom to the doctors for Brian's speedy recovery.  Thank you to everyone who was able to come to the Brianfest and your generosity continually overwhelms us.[...]

Everyone had an amazing time at Brian Fest this past Saturday!  What an absolutely incredible community! Copy link into browser to see highlight reel!     https://youtu.be/kMaEVWKDrj0[...]

We are really reaching out to everyone for your prayers!  Brian is unfortunately experiencing some difficulties with the new medication Duke is trying.  He is currently in Alexian Brothers Hospital and the neurologist would like to take him off all the medication so he can rule out what's causing Brian's cognitive issues as well as difficulties with the left side of his body.  He did have a seizure while in the emergency room Thursday night and is having intermittent bouts of hiccups.  They are giving him an anti-seizure medication as well as something to try and get the hiccups under control.  We are taking things day by day and hope they can get Brian back on the road to recovery.  We sincerely appreciate everyone's prayers ... we all know what the power of prayer can do![...]