Remembering Scott

It is with a heavy heart that I write this blog post. Since most of my blog readers are family and close friends, you most likely know this. My brother, Scott Richmond, passed away on July 22, 2010. I could not return to my blog without mentioning him. My blog has always been dedicated to happy times and happy moments. It was never intended as a journal-type of situation for me to vent my troubles or frustrations. But this time, it is different. The loss of my brother has shaken me to the core and has forever changed the lives for my family and me. At moments it seems unbearable to have lost him. For me it is unbearable at every moment to think that I will never see him again. And, God willing, I have many more years on this earth. And for all of the years ahead to me to be without my brother... it is overwhelming.

I will share again what I read at the beginning of Scott's funeral.

"I would like to thank everyone for coming today in memory of Scott. For those of you who don’t know me well, I am Laura, Scott’s sister. I want to take this opportunity today to remember Scott in a special way. To remember him for the great man that he was. Scott was kind, thoughtful, incredibly smart, and funny. He loved his family deeply. And oh, how we loved him. He loved my mom’s cooking. He loved Notre Dame football, movies, and his cat Josie. Most of you probably have a favorite memory of Scott. Maybe – and most likely – for times that he made you laugh. I have favorite memories, too. He was only 16 months older than me and we were good friends growing up. I don’t remember fighting much – except when we would break my plastic headbands. We played board games and built Lego’s. His Lego houses were always much better than mine - the engineer in him even back then, I guess. He tutored me in math. He held my hand once when I was afraid. He teared up when he saw me in my wedding dress. He was there to hold my baby girl after the very first hour she was born. And we shared a deep love for our parents...for our Mom and Dad. Today, let’s remember Scott – not for his sadness – but for his life….for him….and for the life that we loved. Scott was our brother, son, grandson, uncle, nephew, cousin and friend. We love you Scott and we will miss you every day."

I like to think about Scott up in heaven. That he is happy. And looking down at me smiling. That he is watching over me and all of my family. And especially watching over Anna. I like to think that she has a special angel in him.

Rest in peace, my brother. I love you, Scotto!