Brother bonds are strong. In blood and in bond alone, men operate in a code of brotherhood forged by the idea that one man alone is vulnerable but many men standing shoulder to shoulder can be stronger than the walls of Rome. In life we come to know many battles...whether it be a battle of weapons or of an unseen foe. My brother Anthony was a fighter! He stood strong against something that is brutally unfair and his ability to keep his head held high was one of the most brave things I have witnessed in my lifetime. Although he lost his battle earlier this week, he was surrounded by the love of his family and the sincere faith of a devotedly loyal army of prayers. Friends, family, and perfect strangers have sent countless words of support. Each word a warm embrace comforting his closest loved ones as they collapse in the arms of their kin. Anthony was real, as real as any person can be. His distinct love for life is only outmatched by his palpable affection for laughter. If a smile says a thousand words, Anthony's smile would be three phone books combined with a Webster's dictionary. I know I am not going to cry tears of sorrow but instead I will cry tears of regret. Regret for the lost moments I could have told him I loved him, played another round of XBox, or another couple of hours watching his signature favorite comedy films. Every time his sister and I travel to a new place in this world I hope he is watching over us and he watches the sunset drift into the horizon with us. God bless this man and deliver him to your gates. His valor is measured in courage, multiplied by faith, and documented in the innumerable amounts of people waiting to celebrate his life in the coming days.
Live Better, Live Stronger, Live For Tomorrow, and NEVER forget the Fallen! For we will catch you.
-Love-
Your Brother Brian
