This weekend was our Pacific Masters Championships. It was a close battle between WCM and USF and I don't know who won at this very moment. I don't care.
You see, I left right before the 1000 today (the last event) right after the last relays. I watched some great swims today. Amazing swims. My friend Brendon swam a 2:03 200 fly and really hit his taper (as he's not going to Nationals)- we were teasing about how he does really well the week after a tapered meet. He seemed to finally figure it out this time.
My friend Stephen called me tonight and told me that Brendon also had a great 1000, was warming down, had a heart attack and died. He was 35. I was stunned. I've been crying since then trying to make sense of it all. It doesn't make sense.
I called some other friends and no one else can believe it either. Suddenly, the meet doesn't matter, swimming doesn't matter, what matters is that we lost a really great guy today. He was always so happy, funny, and loved to tell jokes. He was really good natured and fun to be around. I will miss him terribly.
Former Member
Karen,
My deepest, sincerest condolences for your loss. I can't imagine having to deal with something like that.
If there's anything I can do, please let me know.
Steph
Karen
My wife and I just read your post and tears came to our eyes, remembering all of our swimming friends who have passed on, so many some in car accidents travelling to meets, training accidents, and 60 or so marathon swimmers, as Johnny Lacoursiere said " George you, Abou Heif and I are the only ones left". But we do have to keep going no matter how badly we feel. Our condolances to Brendons family and friends.
George
Go home Karen, if you can. I just read the update from Michael Moore. I'm so, so sorry.
I just lost two very dear people and working seemed impossible. Take time to grieve.
((((((((hugs))))))))
Again, I am so sorry.
Oh...I meant that I get an email prompt from Michael Moore and that's where I read the news this morning. Sorry for the confusion! Nothing new other than what you've already mentioned.
(((((((hugs)))))))
Karen,
I am soo sorry for you loss. That is a terrible, terrible thing to have happen. My heart goes out to you and your team mates. I will keep you in my prayers. My deepest sympathy to all of you in your time of need.:(
~Kyra
That is a horribly tragic thing to happen!.....I am very sorry to hear about it. My family and I will say a prayer for Brandon, his family, and all his teammates and friends that are suffering from this terrible loss!
Newmastersswimmer
Great idea Karen. He sounds like a great guy whose life was cut way too short. Let us know if we can do anything to help. Take time to grieve, remember the good things.
The tragic death of a great friend at the young age of nineteen has threaded itself throughout my entire life. In times like this there are few things we can say or write that will bring comfort to the family and friends of those past. But I know that death has painfully proven that the following saying is the truth.
“Death is a challenge. It tells us not to waste time. . . It tells us to tell each other right now that we love each other.”
My sincere condolences to Brendon’s family and friends….I will remember them in my Prayers. God bless!
I love you guys....
Tom Ellison
Your son sounds wonderful! What a great kid! I'd love for you to post the poem.
Being able to be glad that he was in your life, even if it was brief is great. That's hard to do. Usually I get really upset and angry and think I wish I didn't get to know that person. But after a few days I realize how lucky I was to have known them. Your life is better because he was in it.
I had an uncle die VERY suddenly last year. I remember going to work the next day in a total haze. My friend asked what was wrong and I told her, saying that I hadn't slept because we were waiting for the call (from Aruba where he was vacationing). Then I had to get up at four and drive my dad to the airport. When I got in my car to go home I lost it. I had to pull over on the expressway to collect myself. Losing someone in your life is the hardest thing you will ever go through.
Again, his friends and family are in my thoughts and prayers. My heart goes out to you. Let us know if we can do anything for you.
I just went to the pool at lunch. I got the great hug I needed from Kerry. :)
Some suggestions for Brendon's memorial include: the glass case bulletin board with pictures (already done by Kerry), a plastic band along the lines of Livestrong, tattoos with his initials (rub off kind),etc.
Any other ideas?
