It wasn't the digital era - I only have a few, precious photos of my brother ... However, I have a million memories locked in my mind (I visit them often) and I smile and remember a life that will always touch mine! Happy birthday big brother - I love you! #Lich
Today is my brother’s birthday. He died when I was 15, it was the summer before my sophomore year. He was 17 – just about to enter his senior year of high school.
I’ll never forget the day he died. Time stood still. My world changed forever. I won’t lie and say that it was an easy time getting through the rest of my high school years. In fact, it was very challenging. I can attribute four things to pulling me through that time – the cross country team, my friends & family and a loving Heavenly Father who gave me hope and patience and a desire to keep ‘running’.
It’s been 28 years since he passed away. I find myself reflecting today, on his birthday, full of gratitude and love for the journey it’s been. I’m a different person today because of his life and death. I am stronger. I am filled with more faith. I have more love to share. I have empathy, understanding and a desire to live every single day with joy, enthusiasm and with a loving heart. I know the Lord has his purposes in all things.
My brother’s life was
short but wonderful. His race was not long … but important.
We all have a race to run.
I thank Heavenly Father every day for blessing me with a big brother who made me laugh, try, reach and believe!
We all have a race to run.
I thank Heavenly Father every day for blessing me with a big brother who made me laugh, try, reach and believe!
And today I celebrate his life and the
wonderful memories we shared!
Happy birthday
Travis!
My black socks are
on. I’m still ‘running’ forward and think of you often.
I love you,
I love you,
Little Lich
I remembered Travis when I was a junior, and he was in 7th grade (back then, the kids from Carmichael ran cross country at Richland). He was this pint sized person, and we had a difficult time finding a uniform that would fit him, because he was pint sized:-). But he had a happy disposition and a huge heart. And I wished I also had his gentleness and patience as well. And even as a 7th grader, he ran incredibly fast.
ReplyDeleteI was also fortunate to watch has last race on the track (I believe it was the Big Nine Districts at Fran Rish Stadium in 1988). Leading from tront (Prefontaine-style), he pushed hard, only to miss going to state when he finished third (and this was as a sophomore!). What struck me was how humble he took the loss. After that, I never saw him again.
His athletic prowess and exploits were inspiring, but his character was even more inspiring.
Derek Bowls
RHS Class of 1984