A Day of Remembering Austin

We lost my brother Austin 6 years ago.
Austin was adventurous, spiritual, intelligent, and loyal.
I loved him very much and miss him every day!
We named Sam, Samuel Austin, after him. I am so very glad that we did.
Sam reminds me of Austin all the time.
I love so much that I am reminded of Austin through Sam.

Every year my family spends this day together. I am so thankful for them.
It really doesn't matter what we do, as long as we are together.

On our way to Mom and Dad's, we stopped to put flowers on Austin's grave.

The boys had a lot of questions, but I think it was good for them.
They ask about Uncle Austin all the time. We talk about him quite a bit,
because I want them to know him.

We had a meal together and then just spent the day being together.

A few months ago, Sam had the idea that he wanted to write on a balloon and send it to heaven to Uncle Austin. What a great idea!!! And for my 5 year old to think of it. I am sure others have been doing this, but we have never done it before. He wanted to do it on his birthday, but I thought it would be great to do it this day because we were all together.
So I got white mylar balloons and sharpie pens and we wrote notes to Austin.

The boys just drew pictures and we helped them write notes.

I think it was really good for everyone. I especially found it helpful to be able to talk to Austin. I told him all about the boys and things we have been doing. Of course, it was emotional too. But I hope to do it every year so that I can tell him all about the boys as the grow.

Once everyone had written on their balloons, we all went outside to send them to heaven.

Sam watched them for a long time, making sure they went all the way to heaven.

We spent the rest of the day enjoying each other.
Uncle Taylor and the boys had a great time playing together!

I love my family so much and I feel so blessed that we all have each other.
Austin, We love and miss you very much!!!