27 things I remember about you...

1.  I remember the day you were born, in our matching gowns we held you.

2.  I remember the ditch in the backyard where you played ninja turtles with Chris.

3.  I remember your stick straight blonde hair, that didn't last long.

4.  I remember watching you play hockey for 11 years.

5.  I remember getting dressed up in our red and gold best to watch Chris play football, then you doing the same.

6.  I remember taping homemade episodes of jerry springer while mom and dad were at hockey games.

7.  I remember when you got Nick for christmas, how special your relationship was.

8.  I remember when your hair got curly, such a proud moment for me.

9.  I remember when we all rode bikes together as kids, wearing our interchangeable homemade helmet 'skins'.

10.  I remember the countless number of VW shows we went to, fueling our fire and love for our cars.

11.  I remember watching you play baseball and eating frito banditos.

12.  I remember every camping trip we ever went on, those were the best.

13.  I remember hours spent jumping on the trampoline.

14.  I remember when the acres behind the big blue church were just dirt, no school, no development, just a wide expanse of dirt jumps for our bikes.

15.  I remember going to Betty's, swimming lessons, bologna sandwiches and always fun.

16.  I remember shopping at St. Vincent de Paul for your church camp theme outfits.

17.  I remember how much you loved spending time with your cousin Justin.

18.  I remember swinging on grandpas tree swing and cardboard slides down the tall grass.

19.  I remember..."BK, you TURKEY!"

20.  I remember touring around Seattle, pictures at the troll, gasworks and cap hill.

21.  I remember the day you left us like it was yesterday.

22.  I remember how you showed me how to channel my pain into loving teens.

23.  I remember how I've felt you laughing every time I've pooped my pants in the last 10 years.

24.  I remember how much my heart has ached daily when I think about how much I miss you.

25.  I remember all the times you have shown your face over the last 10 years, always when I least expect it and in the most flagrant of ways.

26.  I remember how much you make me laugh and how you remind me to not worry about what other people think.

27.  I remember how beautiful your 16 years of life were.

Happy 27th Birthday Bret Kyle.  You bring me life and love.