Monday, November 2, 2009

"A true friend is one who is not only willing to love us the way we are, but is able to leave us better than he found us." Marvin J. Ashton



10 years ago today, Brett's heart stopped beating, forever. Mine did too, for just a second when I heard the news. I remember exactly where I was and what I was doing. "This can't be real," I thought to myself. My whole entire self just went numb. It was like I was in a time warp. How could he really be gone?




I guess you could say I have known him my whole life. We grew up together. Sometime after about the 6th grade when I stopped having such a major crush on him we became real friends. We were partner's in crime, always had each other's back, knew when to laugh and when to cry together and planned how we would solve all the world's problems together. We sorta just took care of each other like a brother or a sister would.

We stayed close as he served his mission in Hong Kong. We wrote each other often and continued to support each other through trials or celebrations from around the world. We confided in each other.

During our college years we were especially close and helped each other through all the curve balls life would  try to throw our way. He continued to coach hockey. I think I forgot to mention that hockey was one of the loves of Brett's life. His jersey was #26 and it is still my lucky number to this day. Not only did he coach, but he was a mentor and friend to so many of his players. He took care of them and loved them very much.

Brett loved photography, painting, brownie dough, Winder Dairy milk and nice cars. It always had to be the best for Brett.  He especially loved motorcycles. He crashed a few times really bad, but never gave up the sport in his heart. It was a thrill to ride with him.




This is a picture he painted and gave to my son as a baby gift. The story of this picture is really a metaphor of Brett's life. What you can't see is, at the bottom. where he signed his name, it reads, "all I know." Brett
was fun and silly and pure of heart just like a child.

It has been a reflective day for me. So many thoughts and feelings. And love for the Evans family.
If you want to see a copy of Brett's obituary go here http://utahhighschoolhockey.com/features.php?sitecd=99&lgx=1&ID=162

One of the most important lessons I learned from Brett was his compassion and empathy for all God's children. Brett taught me to be unselfish and Christlike. He gave and gave and gave even when he didn't receive anything in return.  I watched him give his time,energy,money,emotions and testimony to so many people. He was full of love. He had so much to give and usually did. Brett was forgiving and did not judge others unfairly. Brett was human in that he had faults and weaknesses. But his spirit was strong and Christlike. He had the ability to love as Christ loved.

Stay tuned this week for more stories and feelings on Brett.
And on his brother, Doug, that joined him in the spirit world just a few months ago.
What a joyous reunion that must have been.

BRETT PARKER EVANS
April 30, 1968-November 2, 1999

For now, "bawk,bawk Wormie! love, Betty




5 comments:

Kim said...

Kelly,

I also remember where I was when I heard Brett had passed. He was a second big brother to me. He was there for me and watched out for me not only in high school, but college also.

This may sound really weird, but on those days when I feel like the world is falling down around me. It feels like Brett is still there watching over me as a loving big brother.

I didn't realize his brother had passed away also. My heart goes out to his parents. Brett, was an amazing man.... And the world is NOT the same with out Brett.

Melanie Jacobson said...

I kinda want to say it's sad when you lose someone too soon, but I don't know if there's really such a thing in Heavenly Father's plan. Like he promised the Prophet Joseph, he knows each of our days and we will not be shortchanged even one that we are meant to have. It's still a good remember to live life fully, though.

nano*ink said...

I can tell you still miss him. I wish I had known him. Someday I will have you introduce me again.

Shelley said...

What happened to him? Sounds like a great guy...

Unknown said...

What a beautiful tribute to your friend.