In loving memory of our beloved Gary Stivason whose birthday is July 16 and has been gone six years.

Gary, 47 years ago today we were born. I wasn’t just born with a brother, but with my best friend.

It doesn’t feel the same knowing you will no longer call me in the morning to wish me a happy birthday. There are some memories that will never fade, like your voice on my phone that I play a lot.

It didn’t seem that long ago I came to you before anyone and told you I was pregnant. You were so excited and hoped for a boy so you could teach him to hunt. Although, I had a girl you loved her regardless.

My girl finally had a baby of her own. A beautiful baby boy named Tobin. I cried the day he was born because you weren’t here to celebrate the baby boy you hoped for. He comes to my house and holds the picture of you in wonderment. As Tobin ages, you will look down from heaven and watch him grow. He loved animals, just like you do, and I wish I could show him all the animals you had in your house.

Then again, everything happens for a reason. I’ll never forget what you told me when you had three months to live. “Think about the good times and not the bad.”

We love and miss you Gary.