Jerry & Cindy Shepard & Crew
Brian wasn't just my cousin, he was also a friend. We were born 5 months apart, went to school together, were roommates in our first apartment with our other cousin Randy Lavalette, shared many deep belly laughs, and partied plenty. In more recent years, our homes were less than 2 miles away from each other in Grand Isle.
Brian would often stop by our house for a couple of good laughs, and we would frequently run into each other at the local convenience store. Brian was always sporting his signature grin and was never too busy to catch up, whether about fishing or family.
Brian & Jane would join us at Thanksgiving and Christmas, when Uncle Neil & Aunt Barbara were in Florida for the winter months, and his sisters, Cindy and Sharon lived out of state. No matter what, Brian always knew he had family nearby he could count on if needed.
My mother, Darlene, used to babysit, Cindy, Sharon, & Brian while Uncle Neil & Aunt Barbara were working. She has always felt a special attachment to them and was devastated to hear of Brian’s passing. Brian, Neil, and Barbara also stopped by to see my parents (Jerry & Darlene) at their place in Grand Isle. Despite my dad’s inability to speak, we all had a good visit and managed to share lots of good laughs. This meant a great deal to Mom & Dad and they still talk/write about it to this day.
It’s a lot of fun to get Brian laughing! Once he got going, you never knew when it would end, because Brian had a very infectious laugh. Before you knew it, he would have everyone in stitches, even if they didn’t know what they were laughing about.
Many have told me there's nothing we can do when we lose a family member or friend. I disagree. We must keep them alive in our memories and hearts by talking about them. Remember them on their birthdays and other special dates, and share your memories of them with family and friends. When you hear a song that reminds you of Brian, or you check the time and it’s 3:25, (Brian’s birthday), know he’s saying’ “Hello”, picture his ready smile, and think of him.
Tuesday August 9, 2016 at 4:31 pm
