ABSTRACT
I never used to read obituaries. Occasionally, if someone I knew died,
I’d look for the notice and then quickly move onto another section of
the newspaper. But after Brent died, reading them became a focus.
I’d scan the pages looking for others who died young. There was
something about knowing I wasn’t the only one mourning a young
person that made me feel just a little less alone. I’d read the words
carefully, reflecting on the life lived as presented in this small square
of text. When siblings were mentioned, instantly I’d feel a jolt,
and tears would flow as I reflected on what might lie ahead for them.
And while siblings had a prominent place in this forum, they were
mentioned by name, I knew that soon after the funeral, their loss
would fade into the background as other family members became
the focus.
