Tuesday, April 30, 2024
After not seeing Brent for at least 20 years (since I was 7), our Nana told me (in 1988) that she was coming to visit him in Hollywood, Florida. I didn’t even know that Brent was in Florida. I had already been living in South Miami for 8 years when I went out to lunch that day with Nana, Brent and his family. After that, Brent came to visit me once or twice, and we lost touch again until I was in Vietnam (he found me on Facebook).
Since we had a 12-hour time difference, and Brent had trouble sleeping, we started facetime calling and spent hours catching up, sharing our life stories, and keeping each other company. In the summertime, which I spent in Canada and Florida, I found Brent in Windsor and visited him with my sister (Stevie). He took pride in cooking dinner for us (chili and meatloaf were his favorites), and we brought the occasional pizza.
Brent loved reminiscing about his horses, our families, and his travels all over the US. I updated him on my whereabouts by sending pictures - sunshine, beaches, and palm trees - in the winter to cheer him up. I sent the occasional travel photo while I was teaching in Vietnam.
I was saddened to hear that Brent had passed, but I knew him to be a proud man and I’m sure he would want me to remember him as he was…strong, stubborn, funny, and caring.
Hugs to you, my cousin and friend xoxo
