'I was first his teacher and then he became mine.'

UPDATE: Brian sadly passed away Wednesday evening surrounded by family. He was able to spend his last birthday on the 11th with his loved ones, sipping on a Dr. Pepper Float. Before passing, he along with Julia, asked me to thank each and everyone of you for your prayers and generous donations. It made him feel good to know there were others thinking of him and loving his family. This Go Fund Me will remain open for a bit longer in case anyone would like to help them with his funeral service. Thank you SOOOO much again! He will be missed more than he could have ever realized!

Roy High Family and Others – Help me send off this remarkable human with as much love and support as possible.

When being placed in Hospice Care just yesterday, Brian Brown asked his doctor how much time he possibly has left. The doctor told him most likely days but possibly weeks. Brian immediately said out loud that dying on March 11th would be a cool day – as it is his birthday and he hasn’t seen many headstones with the same birth and death day. I am hoping we won’t lose him that soon - but he is facing his truth with as much courage and care for his family as humanly possible.

Brian was only 17 when he found out he had a large, cancerous tumor in his hip. It was serious and he spent a lot of time at Primary Children’s fighting for his life. His nurses and doctors grew to love him, as everyone does who are blessed to know him. His sarcasm, wit and care for others was part of his soul from the get-go. At 6’4” and built like a bear, it didn’t take me long to see that he was the epitome of a gentle giant.

Thirty years ago, I was a young, new teacher at Roy High School that didn’t know up from down. Brian was one of my first students and to this day, I am thankful for that. Brian was raised with four other brothers by a single, angel mom. Having a speech impediment and dyslexia, Brian was not a fan of school and just the year prior was seen walking back home from school more than walking to his classes. But he knew what he wanted out of life and that getting his diploma was his first necessary step – so he didn’t give up and was a proud Roy High Graduate of the Class of 1999.

Brian married another angel on earth, Julia. They started a wonderful life together. Because of the intense radiation and chemotherapy that he received as a teenager, he couldn’t have kids of his own but with extra space in his home, he invited others under his roof that needed a home and family. Over the years, his mom, mother-in-law and a cousin with her 4 children all had the chance to be welcomed and made to feel 110% at home with Brian and Julia. Brian and Julia quickly became 2nd parents to their nieces and nephews and both love them intensely.

When cancer returned a couple of years ago, he again, fought it into remission but sadly it returned with a punch. He has had to have several surgeries and hasn’t been able to eat solid food for more than two months. Brian has been living at Huntsman’s Cancer Hospital for the past three months and now realizes he won’t be able to go back home. Instead of having a drop of sadness for himself, he considers himself lucky to have been able to live almost another 30 years past that first round of cancer. Instead of tears and anger, he is doing his absolute best to smile, laugh and joke while working hard to plan his funeral so that Julia and his mom won’t have to. Right now, he is picking out his urn, what will be written on his headstone and even a song he would like played at his service, 'Prop Me Up Beside the Jukebox (If I die)' by Joe Diffie. The "stiff drink" the song refers to however, would be a Dr. Pepper as that is Brian’s favorite! Julia doesn’t think this song is fitting for a church service, but he is insisting. ; )

Brian and Julia didn’t want to worry many during the past couple of years, so I just found out about his terminal diagnoses a few days ago and it’s still a bit of a shock to me. I wish I had known sooner to be able to help more than I can now. I do know that he hasn’t been able to work for quite some time nor Julia for the past couple of months. So, I am guessing, that any help with finances will allow a bit more time for his family to be able to grieve. Brian is more worried about those he is leaving behind than himself.

I would have loved to have sent him on a memorable trip, arranged a huge 18-wheeler parade (as he was an excellent and passionate truck driver for many years) or something to show how many people have loved and appreciated being able to know him. BUT, with the time frame he is facing, I can only share this message with as many people as possible in the next few days so you can help me give a more proper goodbye to this very deserving young man.

If you can send even $1 with and/or a warm prayer or message, please do. Let’s flood Brian and his family with love and support this coming week to give back just an ounce of what Brian has shown this world.

Brian, I was your teacher for a few short years in your younger life, but you have been a life-long TEACHER to me. You have always lived out the true meaning of unconditional love for others, joy in the face of darkness and true resilience. What a man you turned out to be!!!