Saturday Snapshot ~ December 20, 2008

It seems that whenever someone dies people have wonderful things to say about them. They were always the best and anything bad or negative doesn't seem to matter as much, and the wonderful things are shared over and over. It's too bad that we don't share these stories and feelings before death comes, but sometimes it is awkward to share feelings and emotions freely. The thing is that all of us make mistakes and have flaws, but in the end (as long as we've tried our best) none of that will matter. It will be the good things that will stand out and that will be remembered.

Our minds continue to drift to Michael's brother, especially with Christmas coming. It is so weird to think about life going on without someone who was so integral to our lives. I feel it important to write a few things so that my girls, and his son, will know what a great guy he was.

Haizer always had a smile. It was a contagious grin that lit up a room. He had a fun sense of humor and loved to tease his sisters, nieces, and nephews. He was the light of his mom's life; she is missing him so much. He was a loyal friend and brother. He was a very hard worker and wasn't afraid of a challenge. He loved animals and was so good to help out on his family's farm.

Haizer loved Christmas. When Michael and I first got married, he'd call us up at 5 a.m. to see what Santa had brought us. After the first couple of years, his parents made him wait until 6 to call. :) He made those calls each year early Christmas morning to see if we were awake and ready to share the holiday. It was heartbreaking not to get that call this year. My favorite story is of my first Christmas with Haizer. He was seven years old and Michael and I had been married for about 6 months. Haizer was excited to have a sister-in-law. Michael and I arrived at the house to exchange gifts pretty early in the morning (as Haizer had called in the wee hours to ensure we'd be out promptly), and we were met at the door by Haizer and Haley. They were both wearing wide grins and were overly enthusiastic about the holiday~as kids thankfully are.

Haizer was nearly jumping up and down as he told me that he had gotten me the BEST Christmas present EVER. When it was time to open gifts, it was suggested that we start with the youngest...Haizer. He declined and insisted that I go first. He and Haley delievered a long, heavy package to me and sat inches from me waiting for me to open it. It was an odd shape, like a stick or a bat. I tore off the paper and Haizer yelled, "It's a beefstick! It's a beefstick! Can you believe it? Isn't it great?" Now, I was not a big fan of cured meat, but his enthusiasm made me giggle. He presented me with a second gift and insisted I hurry to open it as well. He yelled, "It's a CHIA HEAD!" Sure enough, it was a Shaggy Chia head. You know? Like a chia pet? Then he offered, "You know Arynne, I could keep that here and grow it for you." I took him up on that offer and before long Shaggy had quite a head of grass!

I loved that kid. We all miss him so much.

I'm thankful for the time Haizer was in our lives. I'm thankful for his fun personality, his giving spirit, and for that smile.