Six years have gone since my little brother passed away. I thank everyone for their thoughts on this day. For six years I have dreaded this day. Who wants to celebrate their birthday on the day their brother died?

It sucks.

But this morning I woke to a voicemail from my daughter. Star wished me a happy birthday with tons of cheer as she was on the bus to her junior year in high school. I fell back asleep and the woke to my boys telling me to get up. Mandie, Devin and Brendan had made me breakfast in bed to celebrate. It was wonderful to feel that much love and it helped drown out my sadness. Then for the last couple of hours I have gotten several calls wishing me a happy birthday and silently sending me their thoughts and prayers.

I still miss him, very much. I still talk to him every day. It is strange seeing the little boy that my brother last held as a baby go off in to first grade. Sean never got to enjoy his niece and nephews getting bigger. I think I regret that the most.

Sean, September 1st ties us together in the strangest of ways. It was the day you died and the day I was born. But having this day helps to remind me of how everything you get in life is precious and fleeting. We are only here for a moment and should treasure those moments together. I wish I didn't have to remember your and my moments in hindsite, and I wish we could have had more time together. I try and keep that in mind with everything I do now. I try my best to treasure all of the little things in life. Losing you gave me that insight, but to be honest I'd rather just have you back.

I miss you Seany, and I love you.

DJ