Remembering...

I can't believe how fast time flies. Tomorrow is July 23, 2009. Exactly one year ago, on July 23, 2008, the world lost one of the most amazing people that has ever lived. That person was my brother-in-law Sean.

Sean was amazing for so many reasons. He was a true Superman. Sean was diagnosed with cancer when he was 20 years old. It began as skin cancer, and it was caught fairly early. The surgeries and treatments he endured left him with painful scars, but gave him 9 more years of life. He lived cancer free for the next few years, and met my sister in December 2004. They instantly fell in love. Their relationship was one to be envied by many. Sean was so respectful of her needs, so loving, so selfless, so happy and his positive spirit and high energy were so contagious.

About a year later, Sean's cancer came back. It showed up in various parts of his body, settling mostly in his lungs. The Hunstman was able to run new treatments on him, and after a couple of months, he was good as new. Sean was offered a job as a dispatch officer for Summit County, and they sponsored him to attend the Academy - to pass POST (Peace Officer Standard Training) to become a corrections officer. Shortly before beginning POST, more tumors were found, this time on his brain. He had surgery on his brain to remove the tumors, and worked so hard to pass the academy with flying colors. His graduation was very moving, as Sean had realized his dream - to be a police officer. He was the only person the Academy had ever known that had passed POST between brain surgeries.

Two weeks later, he had another brain surgery.

Two months later, he was gone.

Sean's biggest dreams in life were 1- To marry the love of his life in the temple, which he did on Dec 9, 2006. 2 - To become a dad, which he did the instant he came into Amy and Jasen's life. Jasen has never referred to Sean as anything but his dad. 3 - To become a police officer, which he did in May 2008.

Before he died, Sean said the one thing I pray I am able to say before I go. He said, "I know where I'm going, and I know I'm worthy to go there." Sean's life was dedicated to living righteously. And he did it better than anyone I have ever known.

There is no question in my mind why God decided to take Sean home at the age of 29. There are far greater things in far greater places that Sean is doing now, and I'm sure of that. The world is a lesser place without him, and our lives are a little dimmer, a little sadder, and a little less exciting, but I look forward to seeing him again someday.

Sean, we miss you SO much. The world just isn't the same without you.