Natalie, I am so sorry to hear of your sons death. You are right we need to help each other and be there for each other. We can truly understand the pain. My daughter Keara was murdered by her boyfriend on April 5, 2006. It feels like yesterday and it feels like forever. I miss her so much and I feel so sad as I watch her children growing up without her.

Aloha Natalie,
Your son Brian sounds a lot like my son Chris. His passion was body boarding. But he was a helper as well. When Chris started his surf trips to Tahiti, he encouraged all his friends to go for it too. Chris knew the meaning of sympathetic joy...being happiest when his friends and family were happy. He had a father who resented his light. Now I know why, his heart held a darkness none of would ever understand. He shot him 8 timed as he rested on the couch and then threw him over a 40' cliff on the Big Island of Hawaii Dec 11 2008. It's Chris heart and light that hold me now, I know he is still with me.
I wish I could hug every mom here. We share a pain many can't bear to see. I really miss those bear hugs from my boy...some days I look around and there's no one to hug...

I am very sorry you lost your son like this, So much pain here with such innocent victims. I watched your son singing he was awesome. I'm happy you have him like that. If you would like to see Chris Randrup doing his passion you can google him. There are 2 but one isn't on youtube and it is all Chris in Hawaii, youtube is Tahiti with the pros that inspired him. He was so good but never entered contests, he just loved to surf with his friends. I still have 6 messages on my phone saying he loves me as we were apart when he was killed...sounds like he right here.

hope you are managing as you try to absorb this pain
Love
Lois