Brandon Blakeley Obituary

Dear Brandon, we made it through the first summer without you and it was so very hard. There were too many memories of taking you to the park and pool. Every time I saw a little dark haired boy playing outside or in the water, it tore at my heart. Ella would have loved so much to have you play with her, and daddy misses playing video games, especially since the new “Halo” came out and he was unable to share the excitement with you. It is now fall, which was your very favorite time as you loved to roll around in the leaves. Halloween will be here and Mommy loved so much planning what costume you would wear. Whenever Ella comes over and we are alone I show her my Brandon book with all the handsome pictures of her big brother. We want her to know everything about you and there are many stories to tell. I’m sure Taylor will be able someday to tell her all her wonderful memories of the silly things you and Sissy did together. Your cousin Emmy went to an event the other day with your Aunt Lisa, and Emmy sent her pink balloon up to heaven for you. That was so sweet of her to remember that you always wanted balloons for the angels in heaven so she hopes you got it. I continue to write to you and Granny in my journal, and I hope you are looking over my shoulder as I do. I have so many beautiful memories of you that I want to write about. I’m including the picture from Halloween from a few years ago where you were sharing your treats with Granny. All my kisses and hugs till I see you again…..Nana

Sue, thank you for contributing to Brandon’s Guestbook. I forget sometimes that anyone can read what I write, but that’s okay. Going forward I’ll continue my notes to Brandon in my journal. As a mother and grandmother yourself, I know you can understand the overwhelming sadness that our family feels in our hearts. Summer was hard seeing so many little boys around playing, and I’m glad it’s now fall as it was Brandon’s favorite time. I will always have a huge hole in my heart that only Brandon can fill, and I thank you for your very kind thoughts and support.

Dear Pat, I am so sorry that I don't have the words or wisdom to ease your pain. I know this has been an extremely hard and busy year for you, my heart just breaks as I read the entries in Brandons guest book. The love you have for him is a very special love and I hope it will help to see you through the difficult days. My deepest sympathy and prayers will always remain with you and your family. God Bless you Brandon.
Sue Kanar

Sending our prayers . . . from our family to yours.

John, Jennie, Sophie & Emma O'Rourke

"Daddy please don't look so sad, momma please don't cry.
Cause I'm in the arms of Jesus, and he sings me lullabies.
Please try not to question God, don't think he is unkind.
Don't think he sent me to you and then changed his mind.
You see I'm a special child, I am needed up above.
I'm the special gift you gave Him, a product of your love.
I'll always be there with you, so watch the sky at night.
Look for the brightest star and know that's my halo's brilliant light.
You'll see me in the morning frost that mists your window pane.
That's me in the summer showers, I'll be dancing in the rain.
When you feel a gentle breeze from a gentle wind that blows.
Know that it's me planting a kiss upon your nose.
When you see a child playing and your heart feels a tug,
Don't be sad mommy, that's just me giving your heart a hug.
So daddy don't looks so sad and momma please don't cry.
I'm in the arms of Jesus and he sings me lullabies!

This is the willow poem that is on the rock next to the willow tree that was planted at your school,for everyone to see forever. Mommy chose the poem and your best friend, Jackson, read it!

Weeping willow with your tears running down,
Why do you always weep and frown?
Is it because he left you one day?
Is it because he could not stay?
On your branches he would swing,
Do you long for the happiness that day would bring?
He found shelter in your shade,
He thought his laughter would never fade.
Weeping willow stop your tears,
For there is something to calm your fears.
You think death has ripped you forever apart,
But I know he'll always be in your heart.

Love you and miss you forever and ever....Nana

It broke my heart to lose you,
But you didn't go alone,
For part of me went with you,
The day God called you home

"Grieve not...Nor speak of me with tears...But laugh and talk of me as though I were beside you. I? loved you so...'Twas Heaven here with you."


Was just thinking of you and decided to stop by...

Brandon, this has been the culmination of a week of wonderful memories of you, and sadness in remembering losing you twelve months ago. It has been a time for trying to remember every wonderful moment with you, and special times together and I'm trying to write everything down before I forget. I have not been able to do this until now, as it's hard to write through tears, but I want to always remember the details of the times we spent together until we meet again.

Last night your school held a wonderful ceremony in your honor. Wow! What little boy has a tree, and engraved rock, and lots of flowers planted in their name that will remain there forever. Oh, Brandon, you left such a mark in life and had such an effect on parents, teachers, and your friends. It was a very special night. A willow tree was planted. Remember, it was your very favorite as I had one behind my house and you just loved to play under it as it was like a big umbrella! A beautiful poem was inscribed on a large rock, along with your name. You would have been so embarrassed by all this fuss. Everyone cried, and some of your friends spoke about you and cried, and Mrs. Brock cried as she said you were the most wonderful, sympathetic, caring student, and her very favorite, that she had ever had in all her years of teaching! Jackson read the Willow poem, which was so hard for him, as he was your very best friend and he still misses you so much! We all knew in our family how very special you were, but it's amazing how very special you were to everyone that met you. You had a special gift on earth to be shared, and have left a lasting memory in the hearts of so very many people. We should all be so blessed.

I love you my little buddy, and I miss you so very much. So many balloons were sent up to heaven last night to you and your angel friends and I'm sending you the picture. Some of the balloons were favorite things in your life, such as Toy Story! Oh, and Aubrey made you a "Halo" cake. Daddy misses having you as an x-box buddy so much, and he won't go see the new Toy Story movie because he knows it was your favorite. Oh, Brandon, we all just miss you so very, very, much every moment of each day. We just thought we would have you forever, as you made each day so special, even to your rough and tough friends. We were so blessed as a family to have you. Love you, Nana.

My Dear Brandon, today is one year from the day that Jesus took you up to heaven. I knew today would be sad and I tried hard to think of all the good things we did together. Mommy and Daddy took Taylor and Ella away for two days so they could have some quiet time and remember the happy days with you. I did try to be strong, and I took you some balloons and sat on a blanket and wrote to you in my ‘Bubba” journal. I always have thoughts pop into my head of something I remember that you said or a story you told me, and I always want to write it down so I’ll have these memories until we are all together again. Tonight I spent some time in your room. All your toys are mostly as you left them (Ella loves to go in your room), so it makes me feel like you are right there beside me. I went through the albums that were made for you by Aubrey and Pappy that Mommy always keeps on the table. I’ve never been able to look at them before but I felt I was ready and then I looked through Mommy’s memory box. Some pictures and notes made me cry and others made me laugh. There were such wonderful stories written about you by both parents and your friends. It’s remarkable that as a six year old boy, you had such an impact on so many people! Everyone was overwhelmed by your wit, your smile, your sensitivity, even how smart you were. It seemed like everyone wanted to be your friend and was so proud to boast that they were your buddy and how cool you were. Even people that only met you briefly felt something special about you. I was really overwhelmed in reading all these wonderful notes. Your family always knew how special you were, but obviously everyone that met you felt the same way. This gave me such a good feeling on this very sad day, and I can go to sleep feeling better than I did when I woke up. You truly were an angel on earth that left a lasting memory behind you in so many lives. So goodnight sweet angel for now, I’ll be writing to you again soon. Love, Nana.

Rest in peace... run with the angels. You learned the lesson early... how to love and be loved.

Brandon, each month makes it more difficult and sad to write to you as it brings us closer to the one year anniversary of the day Jesus took you to heaven. How can it be possible? Life has not been the same since you’ve been gone as you had a way of lighting up each day with those big beautiful eyes and wonderful laugh. God, how I miss that! Summer is hard without you, as it was my favorite time of year to do things with you. You were so proud last summer at my pool when you were able to put your head under water and show me what you learnt at swimming lessons, and it was just the weekend before you got sick. Ella loves the water and is absolutely fearless!

Daddy and I took the Webkins up to Children’s Hospital last week and it was hard to go back into the hospital again. All the children in the Heart Unit will have a special webkins with a message from you around the animal’s neck, to know they have a guardian angel in heaven watching over them. Then we went to the Ronald McDonald House to see the tile that had been hung in your name. It’s a beautiful picture of you, and there’s a saying on it that says In Memory of the One Kid That Loved Taco Night. It brought back so many memories because that is the last place I saw you playing. The picture also reminds me of the night I made a taco casserole to you in the hospital and you just loved it and thanked me over and over for making it for you.

Brandon, you brought so much joy and beautiful memories into my life. I still hope some day I won’t be so sad, but I don’t see that ever happening. I miss catching bugs around the pool with you. Remember the bugs in plastic I brought up to the hospital? They were gross but you were so excited about getting them. I had also bought you a new bug catching kit, which you never got a chance to see or use. Maybe Ella will have your fascination for bugs and she can use it. You gave so many lessons to your family, friends, and everyone you met in the way of how we should all treat each other, and may that never be forgotten. I love you so very much, and carry you in my heart wherever I go. Love, Nana

Dear Brandon, for some unknown reason this didn't go through yesterday so I will rewrite it to you. Yesterday was your "heart" day, the day seven years ago that you received your new heart. We had all waited for Mommy and Daddy to get the call that you would get a heart from some other child, and we all raced to wait in the hospital during your surgery. It was such a success and within a few days you were smiling and rosy cheeked. As the years went by we assumed we would have you for at least 60 years, but it was only 6. Six wonderful, happy years of having the most beautiful, smart, funny little boy in our lives. Every year that went by we celebrated on July 8th with you, and thanked the child's family that donated this heart so selflessly. I took it for granted I would have you in my life until God took me, and that is why it is so hard to understand why you went first. You gave everyone so much in your short time here and I was looking forward to so many years together. You made a difference in so many lives and I miss you every moment of every day....Love, Nana.

My dear Brandon, it’s now summertime, the time of the year when I got to spend so much more time with you and I miss you so much. Your love of life was so contagious and I loved our special times together. I miss so much that wonderful smile and excitement with everything we did. You made me feel so very special and I was so lucky to have been able to spend so much time with you, as you had so much to give and made me feel like everything we did was an adventure.

Last year at this time you had just become a cub scout and went camping with your daddy. And then he coached the first baseball team you were on, even though Daddy thought he was the worst coach in the world, he did it to spend time with you and enjoyed it so much. Daddy had so many plans for things you could do together.

Ella is missing out on knowing the most wonderful big brother that anyone could have. But we tell her stories about you. Tonight she is sleeping over my house and as we walk up the stairs and she points to all the pictures I tell her stories about you. In looking at the pictures of the two of you together you can see in your face how much love you had for your little baby sister.

Sissy is making everyone so proud with her dancing. She is doing a solo this year to God Speed Little Man, and she is doing it for you. She is a remarkable little girl and misses you so much. But she makes all of us so proud.

It’s still so hard to understand why you are there and we are here. You had so much to give the world with your kindness and love. And you were so very funny. Just know I think of you every moment, and just wish I could be with you somehow. You are such a special boy, and I wonder now how tall you would have been this summer. You must have been very, very important and needed by Jesus up in heaven, because we needed you so very much here. The hole in my heart gets bigger and bigger instead of smaller as I remember your sweet, wonderful smile and I cherish every memory I hold in my heart.

Well goodnight, little one, I love you so much.....Nana

When someone you love becomes a memory,
the memory becomes a treasure.

Brandon, yesterday was exactly 9 months from the day you left us, and I was so sad I just couldn't sit down and write to you. I'm making this short, because we are in Florida and Taylor, Katie and Emily are here and I try not to be sad in front of them. Tonight we were in the sand with a beautiful orange moon above in the sky, and the girls were looking for crabs with flashlights. They were having such a good time, and I looked up in the sky and there was just one very bright star blinking, and I somehow felt it was you looking down at us. Oh how I wished you were with us. I took Taylor to the beach as it's been such a hard year for her and she is having such a good time. But I wish so much I could have done the same for you--you would have had so much fun catching the little crabfish and seeing stingrays and dolphins swim by. Taylor found a shark tooth in the sand, and I remembered how excited you were when I brought you back a starfish necklace from Destin the first time I came here. I'll write to you again in a day or two, it just makes me cry and I'm trying very hard to be happy for the girls. I love you so very much and still miss you every moment that goes by. Tell Granny we all had ice cream cones tonight and the girls remembered that she always made the very best cones. Love you forever...,.Nana

Brandon, we just got back from our party for you at Red Robbin. Twenty two of us gathered together to celebrate this special day, but it was also very sad and we shared a lot of tears. I know you want us to be happy but it is hard for you were such a special part of our lives. All the kids missed you so very much. Taylor danced her heart out today for you at competition in Denver and won first place for her solo in her age group. She did it for you! When we went outside into the night, we sent up twenty two balloons for you and your angel friends. I'm sending you a picture of daddy holding the balloons. Oh sweet child, you are loved and missed so very, very much. Time only seems to make it harder. Hope you had a Happy Birthday with Granny........Love and kisses from Nana.

Happy Birthday Brandon. How you loved this day and all the special attention you got. Mommy and Daddy were always planning something fun for you months in advance. I loved shopping for boy toys each year as it was more fun than shopping for Barbie dolls and clothes. I wish I could get just one smile or hug or glimpse of you for just one precious second today. Granny’s birthday was six days ago, so I’m sure the two of you have been overloading with lots of ice cream.

You are quite a celebrity here. Your school had a 5K Bubba Walk for you last week to raise money for Project Heart. Mommy and Daddy were on the news! Your whole Cub Scout troup was there, too. Even though it was rainy and foggy and windy, more than a hundred people showed up. You were so loved by everyone that knew you. There is a page in the yearbook dedicated to you (you would be embarrassed by that).

Today I took you some balloons and a card, and a little present you might like. Tonight we are going to your favorite restaurant with all your friends, and I'll tell you about that later

Sissy is dancing this weekend in competition in Denver, and she said it was dedicated to you so she is sure you are watching her and cheering for her from heaven. Your Sissy misses you so much, but she makes up for you not being here by spending lots of time with Ella.

Life is just so different without you here. We were all positive you were the different one that would sail through life, grow up to design video games with Daddy, and beat all the odds. I cherish and play over in my head all the happy moments we had together, when I was so lucky to look into your beautiful eyes and that great smile (never got a chance to see you without your front teeth, which would have really been funny).

Below is a poem someone gave me which is meant for today:
Are there birthdays in Heaven?
Does the angel blow his horn?
Announcing to everybody
That this is the day you were born?

Can the stars be your balloons
And angel food your cake?
Presents wrapped in moonbeams
All the angels helped to make.

Birthdays meant so much to you
They were always a big deal
Birthday presents, lots of friends
And mommy made you a special meal.

So I'll whisper a little prayer today
Asking everyone up above
To sing you a Happy Birthday song
And give you all our love...

Love you forever, sweet angel…….Nana

Happy Birthday my little Angel:
As you celebrate your birthday in heaven with Granny, you are not forgotten here on earth. we all miss you very much. and you are in our thoughts every day. Your sister organize a walk for you in her school. and from the pictures I have seen , it was a nice turn out. we are very proud of her for keeping your spirit alive. Every night when I'm walking my Brody, I always look towards the heavens, and send you a kiss. and I know you are sending one back.
I know Granny will make sure you have a wonderful birthday, and we will sing happy birthday to you from our hearts.
So, my little Angel, keep watching over us, and we will keep sending you our kisses. I miss you every day as do your Mommy & Daddy. You will always will be in our Heart's
Love Pop-Pop

Happy Birthday my little Angel:
As you celebrate your birthday in heaven with Granny, you are not forgotten here on earth. we all miss you very much. and you are in our thoughts every day. Your sister organize a walk for you in her school. and from the pictures I have seen , it was a nice turn out. we are very proud of her for keeping your spirit alive. Every night when I'm walking my Brody, I always look towards the heavens, and send you a kiss. and I know you are sending one back.
I know Granny will make sure you have a wonderful birthday, and we will sing happy birthday to you from our hearts.
So, my little Angel, keep watching over us, and we will keep sending you our kisses. I miss you every day as do your Mommy & Daddy. You will always will be in our Heart's , for we love you so much.
Love Pop-pop

Hi Brandon, today it is seven months since you went to heaven. We’ve been doing a lot of things this month that revolve around you, so there have been lots of tears in missing you and not having you here with your cousins. The Webkinz Company send me almost 120 animals because I told them how much you loved them and how you had passed them out with Jackson to the sick children at Children’s Hospital. So this weekend Katie and Taylor helped me make ribbons and tags to put around the neck of each animal, and we are going to deliver about 30 of them to the children in the heart unit in Denver. The tag says that it is a gift from their guardian angel, Brandon Blakeley, who wanted every sick child to have a Webkinz. Afterward Sissy and Katie sent you a message of love and told you how much they missed your laughter, so I’m sure you saw this. Taylor has had a hard year without you, and she misses playing with you so much and all the fun you had and she hopes you forgive the times that you fought.

Sissy did wonderful in her dance competition and came out first in her solo dance number. You would have been clapping and cheering so loud as she did just wonderfully and we were all so proud of her. The older girls (teenagers) did a dance number they dedicated to you (they even put your picture on the stage), and they danced beautifully to “The Rescue”. The girls all cried while dancing, and so did all of your family that was watching. I saw so many little boys in the audience playing with their video games and bored with all the dancing and it reminded me of how many times you sat with me watching Sissy, and then we would race to the car.

Brandon, it has not gotten easier for us. We miss you so very much and it still doesn’t seem real. I just want to hold you, comb your hair, read to you, take you fishing and to the pool and park—all the fun things we did. I still have such a big hole in my heart that belongs just to you because you were so very, very special, and so very, very brave and I just thought I would have you forever in my life until I went to heaven first. I love you my sweet angel…..Nana.

hi Brandon last night we put tags on more than 30 Webkinz!and theres still more.Its been a hard year for me but with you in my heart it makes me feel very special because your always with me.Both Jacksons really miss you alot just like me.I know we fought a few times but you know I always loved you.And I really wish you we're still here with us because me and Katie miss having you around.We laugh still but its not the same without you because your not laughing with us.I love you my little gaurdian angle <3.

Love,
Taylor

hi brandon we are puting tags on the webkinz for you we are going to hand them out like you did to sick kids we made ofits for them fighting a heart dises

Brandon, how can it be six months since you left us to join Jesus and Granny? It still seems like yesterday, and though I was hoping it might be easier as time goes by, it isn’t. I miss you every moment, and constantly remember every little thing about you that I loved so much.

I keep asking God, why? Why did he have to take you from such a wonderful mommy and daddy, but he must have realized how very special you were and he really needed you. But oh, how we needed you too, to give us joy, laughter, and such special times and love that you gave us all. I miss our alone time together, where you amazed me with your wisdom, your love of bugs and all animals, taking you for haircuts, or just sitting and talking. Every time I go to Sissy’s dance studio, I almost think I see you when I see another little boy playing with his video games. But then it’s not you.

Sissy had her dance competiton this past weekend and did great. The older girls dedicated a dance to you. We all cried when they performed it for us privately, and they all had BB sewn onto their shorts. I’m sure you were laughing at that in heaven. You touched so many people in your short life. Sissy has been lucky to have so many friends at the dance studio to help her get through her sad times without you.

This weekend, if the weather is nice, I am putting a little Woofie right next to you, so he will be with you at all times. Your uncle Jim made a little doghouse to protect little Woofie from the bad weather. I wanted you to have your best friend with you at all times, but since Sissy sleeps with your original Woofie, I hope this little one will make you happy.

Please watch over your sisters, they miss you so much. Ella plays in your room and watches TV there—she somehow knows it’s a very special place. Love you…..Nana.

Hi Brandon, it’s Nana, and it’s 5 months today that you left us yet it seems like yesterday when you slept over my house that weekend that you got sick. I think of you every day, and actually still wake up in the morning thinking it’s a bad dream and I will see you today. It was so hard not to have you here for Christmas. Daddy, Mommy,Taylor and Ella went to the mountains after Christmas because they missed you so much in the house—but silly daddy went snowboarding and crushed his arm. He kind of can’t do anything right now—luckily it was his left hand. I don’t even think he can play x-box. He is such a klutz! Sissy learnt how to snowboard and loved it, but daddy spent the week in the hospital. Since Valentine’s Day is coming soon, I left you some valentines that you will enjoy.

We all celebrated Ella’s 2nd birthday party. It was a happy day, but it was very hard not to have you there. I hear Ella loves to play in your room and bounce on your bed and she keeps singing songs to "Bubba". We will always make sure that she knows all the silly and wonderful things about her big brother. Sissy wants to put all your legos together the way you would have liked them. Taylor misses playing with you so much!

Oh Brandon, I love you forever and miss you so very, very much and you are in my heart every second. I wish so much I could just have a soft kiss or hug from you….you were always so very warm and loveable. Talk to you again soon. I'm sending you all my kisses. Love, Nana

Merry Christmas Brandon….please ring the bells loud enough from heaven that we can all hear them and know you are looking down and sharing Christmas day with us. We will miss your wonderful giggles and trying out all your new “boy” toys. Now it’s just dolls and kitchen stuff for daddy to put together! It is our first Christmas without you, and I will miss so much your excitement at every gift you received, and just your wonderful, ongoing giggle that filled the house. Christmas was just so very special with you and you gave me so many wonderful memories--and I treasure each and every one. I just thought I would always have so many more with you. I hope you liked the Bronco Christmas tree and Halo figure that I left for you. I missed having you help decorate my tree this year and telling you a story about each ornament. You would ask me to tell it over and over. I have two very special Brandon ornaments that glow high on my tree and look down from the very top like you look down on us now from heaven. I’m sure you are having a very special day in heaven with Granny, all your angel friends, and especially Jesus on his birthday. I know you want me to be happy but it just hurts so much not to have you here with mommy and dadd, your sisters and cousins today. My dear, sweet, wonderful Brandon—I love you and miss you so much. You always made me feel so very special and loved and I treasure every second I had with you. Love, Nana.

Brandon, I hope there’s turkey in heaven and you and Granny will share a special time today with your angel friends. It will be so sad today without you being here with your family, but I will thank God for giving me six wonderful years with you and so very many wonderful memories of the special moments you gave us all. Ella still has the best big brother in the whole world to watch over her as she grows, even if it’s from up in heaven I know you will always be a special angel to Ella and Taylor. Today’s your mommy’s birthday and I know how much she will miss the huge hug you would have given her. You are in our hearts every moment. We love you so much, and hope you have a blessed day with Jesus and Granny………….All my love and kisses, Nana

brandon its my birthday and its my first time spending it whith out you.I really mis you and 8 year old jacksn misses you and 5 year old jackon misses you.But you are up in heaven whith granny having ice cream.we really miss you so much and I have the picture f you andme in my new room now.we went to parent teacher confrencis and your teacher misses you. love, Taylor

Brandon, nana has all the grandchildren over at her house but our little brandon who we love so very much and will never forget. we are allover at your house.me and nana went in your room and saw all your pictures.your room reminds us of you.we want you here with us.
love,
katie your cousin

Brandon, it is two months today that God took you home to heaven. I miss you every minute of every day and it is just not right to have all the cousins here, and not you. I keep expecting you to walk in the door. I know you wouldn’t want me to be sad, but I can’t help it. You were just such a special boy and I had so many plans for things we could do together. I’m looking outside at the fall leaves on the ground and I remember just last year you were out there with Ella and Taylor rolling around and covering up your sisters with leaves and you had so much fun. I took this special picture of you that day after the leaves were brushed off. You are in my memories every day and in my heart every moment. Here’s another special poem for you. Love forever and ever, Nana

Every day we miss you,
Every day we've cried.
If love alone could have saved you,
You never would have died.
If all the world was ours to give,
We would give it yes, and more,
To see you coming up the stairs,
And bursting with song through the door.
To hear your voice and see your smile,
To talk and play a while,
To be with you in that special way,
Would be our greatest day.
A heart of gold stopped beating,
Two smiling eyes closed to rest,
God broke our hearts to prove to us,
He only takes the very best!

Brandon, I miss you so much I love you so much I will miss playing WII,XBOX, and the playstation.We had lots fun past these six years.I bet Brandon and granny are sitting on A cloud having ice cream.when he past awaywe all made sure he was bured right next to granny.At the funeral there was A picure of me and Brandon and that is going in my room.Me and him like to play games are favorite was AnimalCrossing it was so much fun.Me and him liked to watch SpongeBob.And my mom said if there was one more coockie e would give it to me.He loved to look at bugs.When he was in the Hospital nana gave him bugs that he could look at he realy liked it and nana gave him cheese and crackers he loves cheese and crackers.Tis is my story ubout Brandon and how much fun we had.

Hi Mychele & Kevin - I just saw Lisa's entry in facebook (I don't get on this very often obviously) I met you all in Children's Hospital when my daughter, Sophie, was there with kidney failure. I am a friend of Lisa's. I want you to know how touched we are by your strength. What a wonderful little boy Brandon was! Please know that you and you entire family are in our prayers. With deepest sympathy - Jennie, John, Sophie & Emma O'Rourke

Dear Brandon
It has been 5 weeks since you have been gone and I thought that as time passed, it would be a little easier to write this, but as I sit here typing I am finding that it is just as hard as the first few times I tried to put into words how incredibly special you are to all of us and how much we miss you. I think we all knew very early on that you were a special angel given to us with the purpose of making us all better people. Of course, we just expected God to let you stay with us forever. I think that becuase of your condition, it allowed all of us to treasure every moment we all had together and made us realize that we could not take any day for granted. I fondly remember the last day Jim and I spent with you at the Ronald McDonald House - the 3 of us just laid on the bean bag chairs watching TV and talking. You hugged me goodbye that day but I never thought it would be a true goodbye. Uncle Jim and I have always felt that you were the little boy in our family that we will never have and I think that is why it hurts so much. We all love and miss you everyday and we promise you there will not be a day that goes by that we do now remember all the good times we had with you and all the goodness you brought to our family. We also promise that we will look out for your mom, dad and sisters and make sure they have all the support they need to help them through this. I know that you and Granny are looking down on us and watching over all of us. We love and miss you Brandon!

Brandon
It’s been a month since you have left us and you are greatly missed. You are never out of my sight, for in my den, I have your Star Wars Lego Spaceship, which I took home with me. and every night when I walk my poochie, Brody, I look up to the heavens, and see your star, bright & twinkling, I stop and gaze back knowing you are looking down on me.
I will stand for a few seconds, looking back, thinking how happy you are with Granny, and always blow you a kiss.
I miss you & love you.

Brandon, it's Nana again. Writing to you makes me feel closer to you and after seeing Margie's entry about turtles I have to tell you what happened to make me feel you were with me. I took Ella to our favorite park--the one with all the ducks in the water to feed. When I took her over to the pond there were absolutely no ducks or geese to feed, but sitting under the tree was a giant turtle! It was really strange because in all the times we have gone there I never saw a turtle--I thought how excited you would be as you always wanted one! It made me feel you were with me and Ella in the park. And yesterday in the store I found a rock which had a silver turtle on top, and I took it to the cemetery and placed it there with some fall flowers. Again it made me feel like you were with me as you loved turtles and Fall leaves. Those little moments keep me going, and I only hope they continue as they make me feel close to you. Love, Nana

Brandon,
Before we left Colorado your Daddy picked out a very special stuffed animal for me to take home to New York . I was so happy that he picked your webkinz turtle. He did not know how special this was for me, and that to many people turtles are a symbol for all that is good in the Universe! I took this as a very special sign that you are in Heaven and happy in Jesus's arms. I will take special care of it for you, and everytime I look at it, I will be comforted knowing that you are in Heaven with all of the other little angels. Your Pop-Pop has your Star Wars lego spaceship, and it makes him happy to remember how much fun you had playing together the last time he visited you.
Love, Margie and Pop-Pop

Brandon, it’s just a bit past one month since you left us and I’ve got such a huge hole in my heart. Everywhere I go there are memories of you, and just today I passed the ice cream stand where we had our last cone together the day before you got sick. You were such an amazing little boy and we were so very blessed to have you in our lives. God chose a very special mommy and daddy to place you into their wonderful arms and care for you while you were visiting from heaven. I miss that wonderful giggle of yours, the great stories you could tell, and the hundred questions you could ask every time we were alone. You made everything so much fun and every moment with you was special. You were such an incredible boy, and I know now you are truly one of God’s very favorite angels. You had a rare gift to share with us all while you were here. We have so many memories to share with Ella as she grows up, and Taylor has many more to share as she was such a wonderful big sister to you. It’s comforting to know you are with Granny as you always had such a special bond…it’s the only thing that makes it a little easier on all of us that are left behind. Until we are together again, I love you and miss you sooooooo much my precious angel! NANA

Our hearts and prayers to out to the entire Blakeley family. Brandon will live forever in the hearts of all who knew and loved him. I will always remember him jumping up and down on the sofa and playing his video games.
God must have needed a very special angel. I am sure Granny will be wrapping her arms around him with great love. I know what God has taken you to, He will see you through.
God Bless,
Dotty & Tom Cooney

I miss you Brandon. I still want to play XBOX and baseball with you. I will remember you.
8Jack

Dear Brandon
I miss you very much. I am so glad that we got to have six fun years with you. I miss playing webkinz with you and I will miss going to the ronald mcdonald house, when we were playing in the play room. I know you and Granny are together now looking down on us. We will always think of you and pray for you every night. I wish you were here with us. Now you can watch over us. We miss you so much. Now you can sit on heavans porch and eat ice cream with granny. You were so much fun to play with. We would play mario smash brothers together. I will also miss playing legos with you. It is so hard to say goodbye. We love you.

Love your cousins,
Kaitlyn and Emily Gale

He is a courageous spirit still moving through his family's hearts and souls to keep them company and give them comfort. Mychele reminds me today marks a month since his sudden loss. We miss him, dreadfully, but know that as much as we miss him, his mom and dad must suffer a thousandfold. Love and kisses, tears and hugs.
Nan and Mike

A CHILD LOANED

"I'll lend you for a little time
a child of mine" He said,
for you to love
the whole while he lives.
He'll bring his charm to gladden you
and should his stay be brief
you'll have his lovely memories
as solace for your grief.
Now will you give him all your love,
not through the labor vain,
nor hate me when I come to call
and take him back again.
I fancied that I heard them say:
"dear Lord, Thy will be done"
for all the joy the child shall bring
the risk of grief we'll run.
But should the angels call for him
much sooner than we planned
we'll brave the bitter grief that comes
and try to understand.

Brandon, I'm so sorry that I might have given the wrong idea in my previous message that you had "polka" buddies. I meant to say "poker" buddies, which you were such a part of when daddy had the guys over. You were always right there during those games and the guys enjoyed you being there as much as you loved being one of the guys! Poker will never be the same at daddy's house. Hugs and kisses from Nana.

Brandon, today the day is quiet. All the planning for the celebration of your life is over; though family is still here visiting, we are all adjusting to the absence of you not bursting into the room with your infectious giggle. So very many people came to say goodbye to you---you would have really enjoyed all the food and kids around. Some of your favorite polka buddies were there! In your short life you made a tremendous impact on everyone with your cuteness, sense of humor, storytelling, endless questions about life and bugs, and just being you. You were so unique and had such an enthusiasm for each day. I sat in your room alone for a long time last night, and just felt you there. It was comforting to be around your toys, animals, legos, and all your other special belongings that had been touched and loved by you. I have so many wonderful memories of our special times together but just wish we could have had so many more special days. My dear Brandon, there’s not a moment in the day that I won’t think of you. I cried when I saw two little boys playing outside today, I cried when I went to the Pet Store today because we had loved to go there together, and I cried when I found the receipt today for the last haircut I had taken you for shortly before you got sick. My sweet child, you were truly unique in the gifts that you left behind in the hearts of everyone. Please protect us down here and let us know once in a while that you are watching us in the arms of Granny. She must be so happy to have you there with her. Love, Nana

To my brother-in-law Dennis,my sister Margie,and all of the Blakeley family,we send our deepest sympathy ,you will always be in our thoughts and prayers,God Bless Brandon and God Bless all of you.

My deepest sympathy and I pray you find condolence and peace. I know it won't be easy but with the help and support of family and friends you will eventually find a place in which to exist.

I went to school with Brandon's Pop Pop Dennis and was extremely fond of his Great Grandmother, Evelyn, who at one time gave me a small (fake) white dove in memory of the child I lost. You will be in my prayers and I know that Brandon is looking down on you and the family with love and gratitude. God Bless, Eileen Kane

My deepest sympathy and I pray you find condolence and peace. I know it won't be easy but with the help and support of family and friends you will eventually find a place in which to exist.

I went to school with Brandon's Grandad Dennis and was extremely fond of his Great Grandmother, Evelyn, who at one time gave me a small (fake) white dove in memory of the child I lost. You will be in my prayers and I know that Brandon is looking down on you and the family with love and gratitude. God Bless,

Please accept my sincere condolences on the loss of your special little miracle. May your happy memories and good times with Brandon help you through these difficult days. God bless you and your family.

Kevin and Mychele,
Thank you so much for sharing Brandon's story with us. We know he impacted many people's lives and certainly made a lasting impression on all of us. Please let us know if there is anything we can do to help you during this time of need.
You are in our thoughts and prayers,
Your friends at the American Heart Association.

Dear Dennis:
What a beautiful angel. My deepest sympathy to you and your family.

We are deeply saddened by the news about Brandon. We have so many great memories of our past visits to Colorado, each time seeing how Brandon had grown and being so full of life. He was a beautiful little boy with so much love to give. No child could have been loved more by so many. Our deepest sympathies to all from the Sullivan family.

There's a pain beyond imagining
That's burning in your heart
For suddenly your whole world
Has been cruelly ripped apart

All words of consolation
Which are bound to come your way
Will probably seem empty
And of little use today

For when you ask for reasons
When you ask the question why
It makes no sense at all
That one so precious had to die

The only source of comfort
Is your memories and the love
And they will shine forever
Like the brightest star above

A flame that burns eternally
So strong it lights the sky
And even through your darkest days
That flame will never die

So many people share your pain
We grieve with you as one
The gift of life gets taken back
But love goes on and on
~Author Unknown

With deepest sympathy and sorrow.

Mychele and family, that's the most precious remembrance I've ever read. Please know that we are grieving with you. You are constantly in our deepest thoughts and prayers. Ty talks about Brandon daily and knows he will see him again on the "playground in heaven." All our love and support, Michael, Jacque & Ty (TICA, 2008 K5 class)

I cannot begin to imagine your pain at this moment. Please know my thoughts and prayers are with your family. I know Brandon is in heaven right now watching over you.

Dear Dennis and Family:

The halls of 60 Minutes were silent with sadness when the word came that Dennis's beloved grandson had passed away.

I was so touched to read the beautiful tribute to him -- so moved to hear about his spirit and his smile. What a child; what a loss.

Dennis, my thoughts are with you and your family. Please tell us more about Brandon when we see you again.

With deepest sympathy / Claudia Weinstein

Mychele, Kevin, Taylor and Ella,
Brandon was special and unique. No one can truly feel your pain, but no one could also feel your joy when Brandon was with you. So recall the joy, know he is at peace, know he will always be in your heart and is waiting for us all in heaven.
God Bless,
Shuei-Ing, Stephen, Shannon and Stephanie

I am so sorry to hear about the loss of your beloved son and brother. I never got to meet Brandon, but I use to work with Mychele. I know this is the hardest thing you will ever have to go through, but stay strong. He is up in heaven watching over all of you. My son was also born with CHD- HLHS, and I thank God everyday that I have with him because life is very precious. My thoughts and prayers are with you.

My girl friend from college shared this story with me. My heart goes out to your family during this difficult time. I know that there are no words that can take away your pain. I can only hope that you can feel the love and prayers that surround you. Peace be with all of you. Your family is in our prayers.

Kevin, Mychele, Taylor and Ella,

We are very sorry for the loss of Brandon - he was an adorable little boy and brought so much joy to your family and everyone around him. I know that he is smiling from heaven and enjoying the time he is getting to spend with Granny.

Please know that you are all in our hearts, thoughts and prayers.

Take special care and we are always here for you.
Love,
Lorise, Tom, Noah and Madison Johnston

We never got the chance to meet Brandon, but we feel like we know him through his smile, which is just like his Pop Pop Dennis', to whom he clearly gave so much joy. Our hearts go out to our dear colleague and to the rest of Brandon's family.

Kevin - My team and I want to offer you and your family our condolences upon this horrific loss. Brandon was an adorable little boy and our hearts break for you. You are in our thoughts and prayers.

With deepest sympathy,
Linda Pfefferkorn
Lincoln Financial Group

I did not have the pleasure of meeting little Brandon, but reading the story of his life touched me so much. Your family is in my prayers.

I can't imagine the pain of this tragic loss. You're in my thoughts.

I am so very sorry to learn of Brandons passing - I cannot imagine the pain and heartache you are feeling - Vivianna says when she gets to heaven she will find brandon to play with him - she is not well - I pray that God will ease your loss - I so much feel for all of you - God Bless Joann Oliveira (Vivianna Stewarts Meemaw)

What an adorable little boy! My heart goes out to you... I'm so sorry for your loss. A mother in Col.Spgs.

Kevin, Mychele, Taylor and Ella, Please accept our deepest sympathies to you and your whole family. Our hearts ache with the loss of such an amazing little boy who touched our families lives in more ways than you can ever imagine. You will forever be in our thoughts and prayers as you go through the years without your beloved Bubba. Please know that the McClelland family loves and cherishes each of you. With all our love and prayers, Lance, Kim, Kayla and Katie McClelland

Kevin and Mychele,
I'm so sorry for the loss of your son, Brandon. My heart breaks for all of you. May your loving memories of Brandon give you the strength to get through this difficult time. I'm a friend of Pat's. I don't think I've ever had a conversation with Pat where she didn't speak proudly of her grandbabies. You're all in my thoughts and prayers. With deepest symapthy,
Kelly Kanar

Everyday at work I saw Brandon's smiling face every time I walked into Nana Pat's office. She was so very proud of Brandon and kept a collaige of pictures from his very first baby picture. How time flew by and seeing the pictures of Brandon getting older after each birthday made Pat very happy. Brandon is such a specical boy with the most loving caring Nana possible. Pat I admire you for your strength and love you gave to Brandon. Keep the family strong....My deepest sympathies.

Brandon,my little angel,I know in my heart, you are telling Granny, about your last birthday. How Pop-Pop was glad that he flew out to Colorado for your day. And we were able to spend the time together, playing air hockey and helping you to build your Star-Wars Lego’s Model. I know Granny is smiling with joy, knowing it will be her, who will be looking after you from now on, and watching you play with all the other little angle's.
For the short time we had you here with us, you have brighten our lives, with love & precious memories. You leave us with tears in our hearts, but it will be for only a short time.
As you & Granny look down on us everyday, watching over us, remember, you will be in our heart’s and thoughts every moment of every day.
I leave you a little poem, which I will read everyday, when I think of you.
And like your Nana said, “Maybe you can send us some hugs from heaven”
I love you & miss you already.
Love
Pop-Pop

“Tiny Angels”

Tiny Angels rest your wings
sit with me for awhile.
How I long to hold your hand,
And see your tender smile.
Tiny Angel, look at me,
I want this image clear....
That I will forget your precious face
Is my biggest fear.
Tiny Angel can you tell me,
Why you have gone away?
You weren't here for very long....
Why is it, you couldn't stay?
Tiny Angel shook his head,
"These things I do not know....
But I do know that you love me,
And that I love you so".

Kevin, Mychele, Taylor and Ella,

My heart is aching for you. You can be certain I am praying for your family and lifting you to the Lord for His Almighty support and mercy. I know He is faithful and I will carry you to Him.

again, dennis and maggie, please accept our heartfelt condolences. we are deeply saddened by your loss. we will continue to pray for you and brandon. danny and heather

Barbara and I were so sorry to hear of your loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your famliy.
Please accept our deepest sympathies.

Rich and Barbara

For My Loving Daughter-in-Law Mychele
A poem for you:
Pop-Pop

I Miss you too

Mommy please don't be sad,
I miss you so much too.
It's beautiful here,
but I worry a lot about you.
I sleep with angels watching me...
there is only love up here.
I am never lonely or afraid
because God is so very near.
I walk with Jesus every day,
He is very kind and loving.
Don't worry Mom, He hold my hand
when we cross a golden street.
I never cry or hurt myself,
I see Granny every day.
I play and laugh and sing a lot
and I hear you when you pray.
Please Mommy, don't be mad at God,
you see He loves me too.
And even though you are not with me,
I am really still with you.

Dear family of sweet Brandon,

Although I never met Brandon, Nana Pat introduced me through pictures and stories with great love. I know of his special light and how brightly it shown while he was here. Now it shines even brighter and we can still feel its warmth in our hearts; that is just one of heaven's beautiful graces. With my deepest sympathies, Kathy Rowlands

I met Brandon online through his Pop-Pop Dennis. His love traveled through cyberspace to me and mine and all our web friends. Your loss is our loss, our prayers are yours forever. May Brandon's light shine in our night skies and maybe he can drop a little ice cream from Grannie's porch every once in a while...

Brandon was a sweet little boy, I will remember him wearing his Thing 1 shirt and talking about his trip to Disney World. My thoughts and prayers are with your family!

Our thoughts and prayers are with your family. We did not know Brandon, but his passing has touched us deeply. From being at Imagine and RDW, we know that Brandon touched many, many lives with his winning spirit and beautiful countenance. We hope that you can find some comfort in all the wonderful memories that live on and will last forever, and know that there are thousands of people who love you and your sweet family.

My heart is broken for all of you. Please know that I am praying for your family and I hope that everyday you realize how much he loved you.

I do not know you but your family is in my prayers!

There are no words to describe your loss. Just so you know you are in our hearts and prayers. Jody, Isaac, Elijah, Cody, Charlie and Peggy.

God's Lent Child

I'll lend you for a little while
A child of mine, God said.
For you to love the while he lives
And mourn for when he's dead.

It may be six or seven years
or forty-two or three.
But, will you, 'til I call him back,
Take care of him for me?

He'll bring his charms to gladden you
And should his stay be brief,
You'll have his lovely memories
As a solace for your greif.

I can not promise he will stay
Since all from Earth returns,
But there are lessons taught below,
I want this child to learn.

I've looked the whole world over
In my search for teacher's true.
And from the things that crowd life's lane
I have chose you.

Now will you give him all your love?
Nor think the labor vain?
Nor hate me when I come to take
This lent child back again?

I fancied that I heard them say
Dear Lord, thy will be done.
For all the joys thy child will bring
The risk of grief we'll run.

We will shelter him with tenderness,
We'll love him while we may.
And for all the happiness we have known
Forever grateful stay.

But should thy angel call for him,
Much sooner than we planned
We'll brave the bitter grief that comes
And try to understand.

Author Unknown

Dear Kevin and Mychele,
Words can never express the sadness in my heart.You are in my thoughts and prayers.I admire you both so much.. The words you have written about your son Brandon have touched the heats of so many.. May God bless you and your family..
Pat,I won't pretend to know the pain you feel,I can only imagine..But I am here if you need a friend..

Wow! What a remarkable person Brandon was - he was only on this Earth for 6 very short years and look at all the people he touched. How very special! Of course, that's because he comes from a special family. Mychele, Kevin, Taylor, and Ella, please know our thoughts and prayers are with you. Hugs to you all...
Renee and Mikayla

It was an honor to take care of Brandon on the 9th floor. He was a sweet, precious boy and I will remember his smile and laughter forever! Your family is so amazing, supportive and wonderful! Brandon will always have a special place in my heart :)

My sympathy goes out to Brandon's family. This has to be the hardest thing a parent ever has to go through. It sounds as though you have beautiful memories of a darling little boy, I'm sure he would want you to remember them with love and laughter. I'm a friend of Sue Kanar and I know Pat and my heart goes out to all of you. May God give you the strength that he gave Brandon. With love and Prayers, Faye Gerhard

I am so very sorry for your loss, the love and bond between a child and family is the strongest there is. I can only imagine your pain but my heart goes out to you and your family, and you will continue be in my thoughts and prayers.

Brandon will be the guardian angel for his sisters. His smile will be remembered in the warm sunshine shining on his mama's face. His laughter will echo in the ears of his dad. May his zest for life inspire the rest of us to live life fully.

Brandon, my sweet angel, may you right now be looking down on us from heaven sitting with Granny on a cloud and sharing an ice cream cone. I will miss all our sleepovers at my house, playing legos, catching bugs with you,giving you breakfast in bed, and just having you throw your arms around me and telling me you love me. You touched so many lives with your smile and laughter and were loved by everyone that was lucky enough to know you. I guess you were just lent to us for a short time to impact our lives by bringing us all together and teaching us how to really love. Now go teach your new angel friends how to play all those video games you are so good at. You will be in my heart and thoughts every moment of every day. I thank you for giving me such happy times and wonderful memories of the six years I shared with you. I know you wouldn't want me to be sad all the time, so I will try. Maybe you can send me a secret hug from heaven. Lots of hugs and kisses to my special boy from Nana.

Brandon was so Rich in Life! He knew how to give and love and be a strong young man. For all that knew or knew of him will be touched forever! Thank you Brandon for being part of our lives. God speed Little man,keep watching over your family. God Bless you all! The Miller Family-Todd,Robin and Gavin

Brandon has touched our hearts in a way that we never expected. Brandon will forever be remembered for the great gift he was. Not at all a sick kid - just a happy little "Astro." He was lucky to have great parents that gave him a normal, happy life. His smile is infectious. All our best.

After reading all the memories and stories of this amazing little boy, My heart goes out to your family. I am so sorry for your loss and pray for strength and support for your family. May his smile and laughter stay with you always! God Bless your beautiful family!

No one here on Earth can fully grasp the depth of your grief and sorrow on the loss of this wonderful spirited little boy who gave us all inspiration and hope, but know that God knows, and will give you strength during this sad and difficult time. He and Dorothy are probably eating heavenly ice cream and watching over us.

Kevin and Mychele,
I am very sorry for you loss. I did not know Brandon personally, I came to know him as I laughed and cried with you during your posting while in the hospital. Your family continues to stay in my prayers.
Love, Jennifer McGlothlin

Incredibly sorry to hear about your loss... Your son's story really struck home...when I learned that he was expected to go back to TICA this fall...and be one of my son's classmates. My son (Colin) did not personally know Brandon, however...... he came home from school the evening that he found out...very saddened by the story that he had heard earlier that day.

...and although I am completely unable to even begin to imagine what you all must be going through... please know that it is our hope that each of you find comfort knowing that your son and your family are in all of our continued thoughts and prayers.

Fondly,

John, Tina and Colin Coppin

Brandon will be forever missed by us all, he has touched the world in an amazing way as has your enitre family. Your in our thoughts and we think of you as a wonderful contribution to our lives. Be well in you happy memories of your time with Brandon.
Love,
Mary, Mitch Williams and sons

I was so shocked when I received Pat's email today. I have not met the rest of the family, nor Brandon, but heard so much about the family I feel I do know them well. My heart goes out to you all. You are in my prayers.