September 9th marks six months since Brandon died. I wanted to write this because in those six months we have been enveloped by the best of what the Greenfield, Northampton and the Pioneer Valley community as a whole is at its best. We have been checked in on, given space, hugged, and have felt the warmth from all corners as we struggle with this loss.
Brandon’s life was full of love and hope. He was probably the most cheerful person I have ever had the fortune to know. Everyone who worked with him, during his challenging years of the dyslexia diagnosis, of having to repeat first grade, and later in dealing with his seizures. They all said the same thing, that they loved working with him, how upbeat he was, and how positive his outlook was no matter the challenge. His classmates also saw this, and the outpouring of grief from them speaks to how deeply he affected the community around him.
We have been unable to send out cards to thank everyone. They sit in a giant pile of final things we need to do and we just can’t bring ourselves to do them yet. I wanted to share this to say thank you to everyone from the bottom of our hearts. From the EMTs and police who showed up first and did all they could in an impossible situation. To the Smith-Kelleher Funeral Home, who made an unthinkable time just a little easier. To our friends, family, and everyone who showed up for Brandon’s funeral, some of whom stood in line for an hour or more to say goodbye.
Words can never express the love we have felt since his death. As we continue to live and find a path forward, I hope that we will all remember a lesson from Brandon, that we can always look for the bright side, even in the darkest of moments.
The last thing I ever said to him was Auf Wiedersehen, a tradition we had, because I don’t like saying goodbye. So to everyone whose lives were touched by Brandon and our family, I simply say Auf Wiedersehen, until I see you again.
Sean Hoyt lives in Greenfield.