I received this verse recently, and it is something to think about!
Life is too short to wake up with regrets. Love the people who treat you right. Forget about the ones who don't. Believe everything happens for a reason. If you get a second chance, grab it with both hands. If it changes your life, let it. Nobody said life would be easy. They just promised it would be worth it.
Yesterday was a difficult day for our family! We discussed how much Brian is missed and how our lives have changed in so many ways.
I, personally, was quite emotional during the day as I talked to a few of Brian's friends and colleagues to inform them of the upcoming memorial golf outing at Sweetbriar on 9/26/08. I talked to Pete Fera, Mike Kerr, Dr. Tony Montanaro, Jason Murphy, Dr. Spencer Johnson, Joe Turos and Larry Wohleber. It is apparent that Brian had s special relationship with these people.
To my special granddaughter Jordyn: I'm so sorry that your evening was filled with tears. You've experienced a lot during your 7 years. Nothing will bring Uncle Brian back to us, but we can still love him with our hearts and memories. I know family is very special to you, and hopefully you will get the phone calls you are waiting for.
To anyone visiting this site: Thanks for taking the time to think of Brian.
"Precious Child" is such a beautiful, emotional song. I heard it for the first time today, and it brought me to tears. The words obviously come from the writer's heart. The lyrics tell a story that is true to me and to so many others whose precious children left too soon but remain forever in our hearts.
"PRECIOUS CHILD"
In my dreams you are alive and well Precious child, precious child. In my mind I see you clear as a bell, Precious child, precious child.
In my soul there is a hole That can never be filled, But in my heart there is hope Because you are with me still.
In my heart you live on, always there, never gone, Precious child, you left too soon. Though it may be true that we're apart, You will live forever in my heart.
In my plans I was the first to leave, Precious child, precious child. But in this world I was left here to grieve, Precious child, precious child.
In my soul there is a hole That can never be filled, But in my heart there is hope And you are with me still.
God knows I want to hold you, See you, touch you, And maybe there's a heaven And some day I will again. Please know you're not forgotten until then.
In my heart you live on, always there, never gone, Precious child, you left too soon. Though it may be true that we're apart, You will live forever.....in my heart.
TRIBUTE TO BARRY (BRIAN'S GODFATHER) / MOM (5/21/08) Read >>
TRIBUTE TO BARRY (BRIAN'S GODFATHER) / MOM (5/21/08)
Grief is difficult to bear. I received a phone call earlier this evening from my friend, Mary Lou. I sensed something was very wrong by the tone of her voice. I knew, without hearing the actual words, that Barry W. Schlentner had died.
I met Barry many years ago at the Chateau Roller Rink in Kennedy Township (located in outskirts of Pittsburgh, Pa.). We became good friends and had a lot of fun times together. Our group of friends had so much fun skating & going to Eat n Park afterwards. We had fun at each other's homes, playing pool & games & listening to music. We would go to the drive-in theaters in the summer and stay out half of the night (and my parents did not like those late hours).
When my husband (Dave) and I were blessed with the birth of our first son, Brian, we asked our friends, Mary Lou and Barry, to be his godparents. Since our family moved out of the Pittsburgh area in 1976, we did not see Barry very often but always kept in touch with each other, even when Barry & Tom moved to Arizona in the fall of 2005.
Barry was very touched when Brian died on 1/1/06. Barry was proud of Brian, and he loved Brian's warmth and special smile. They now are united with each other and to many people who were special to them. May they enjoy eternal peace.
My sincere condolences to Barry's family and friends. May God Bless and comfort you. You are facing a tremendous loss, and I share in your grief. Barry was a loyal and wonderful friend for so many years, and I, too, will miss him. Barry always remembered special dates, and I just received a birthday card from him on Monday. He thanked me for our friendship, but it has been my privilege to be his friend.
Barry had such a sense of humor, and I will always remember how he made us laugh. I know his life was recently saddened by the loss of his special friend, Tom Stevens. Wish I could have once again heard Barry's laughter instead of the emotion he was feeling. Be happy and fly free, Barry.
MOTHER'S DAY MESSAGE FOR MY SPECIAL MOM / MOM (5/11/08)Read >>
MOTHER'S DAY MESSAGE FOR MY SPECIAL MOM / MOM (5/11/08)
Brian,
I'm sure you're spreading your love today to Gram and Renee on Mother's Day. Please give them an extra angel hug from me! It's been 3 years since we were at Gram's funeral on Mother's Day weekend. Please know that although you, Gram, Renee, and other family & friends are now with God, you are all still loved and missed so much! Although you are "out of sight", you are not "out of mind"!
This verse from an American Greeting card is for Gram as a Mother's Day tribute:
How many cares does a mother's heart know?
How many joys does a mother bestow?
How many heartwarming things has she said?
How many tears has she secretly shed?
How many smiles has she given away?
How many kindnesses, day after day?
How many prayers has she prayed for another?
Nobody knows--except for a mother!
Please thank Gram for everything! She was so loving & giving to everyone and never wanted anything for herself. She thought of Gloria, Lee & me first. And we all know how special her 5 grandchildren were to her; I know she's with you and Renee and watching down over the rest of us.
Gotta love that smile!! / Jen (Beeble) Morrison (Old Friend )
I just heard the news today (4/28/08) that you passed on...but I know that you are looking down on us with that amazing, goofy smile, making sure we are all OK...I know it has been YEARS since we have seen each other, but I have awesome memories of you and the gang : ) p.s. You can sleep on my couch whenever you need to!!! XOXO Close
MY SPECIAL LETTER FOR UNCLE BRIAN (4/21/08) / Jordyn Holod (Niece)Read >>
MY SPECIAL LETTER FOR UNCLE BRIAN (4/21/08) / Jordyn Holod (Niece)
Dear Uncle Brian,
I miss you. You were the best uncle ever! It's hard without you! I wish you could get to see me again! If you noticed, we have a memory-of.com web site for you.
If you were here, it would be so much fun! I play Soccer now. I wish you could watch me play!
I love you!
Jordyn
P.S. I used pink letters for you because pink is my favorite color.
I sat down tonight to let you know that I had so many thoughts of you today. Hopefully, you received my "written message" which was somehow deleted when I entered an invalid verification code when submitting it. There were thoughts of you at lunch, finding a coin, seeing the Geo Tracker, making Veggie Pizza, listening to the closing hymn of "On Eagles' Wings" at the Stations of the Cross service at St. Peter's and coming home to Lulu.
I love you and miss you so much!
Mom
Hi Sweet Brian,
It seemed you were everywhere on Friday since there were so many reminders of you. Dad took Mimi and me to lunch at the Great Lakes Brewery. I've never been there before, but I had the opportunity to enjoy fish & chips for lunch. There was a large group of young adults sharing some time together, and I couldn't help but think of you as I noticed them laughing, talking and having a few beers. I know that's the sort of thing you did so many times with your friends.
After leaving Great Lakes, Mimi and I both saw a dime on the sidewalk. I was told by a friend that when you find a coin, it is a token from Heaven. Were you thinking of us, too?
On the way home on "90" I noticed a blue Geo Tracker, and I remember how much you wanted that vehicle. I think of you and your friends riding with the top off the Tracker and your trip to Florida in it.
And of course, we got a special greeting from Lulu when we got home. She is always so excited to see us. I remember you bringing her to our house. What a site! Lulu sat on the front seat of your GMC just like she was a person. I know you really loved Lulu; it showed in in the way you talked to her. Please know that she gets loads of love and attention here. Jordyn also loves to play with Lulu, and she really loves and enjoys her.
At home I made some vegetable pizza for Easter. I know it's one of your favorite appetizers, and I have not made it since you left us. You never did get the chance to eat the last veggie pizza I made for New Year's 2006.
At the Stations of the Cross service at St. Peter's the closing him was "On Eagles' Wings", and I cried almost though the whole song. I can't help but think of you when I hear those precious words. When I left church, it was like a winter wonderland! It looked much more like Christmas than Easter.
I stopped at your Garden at SJWSH several times recently and it's been covered with so much snow. I wanted to put some plastic Easter eggs on your tree, but the weather was not so great. I've only seen two houses with Easter eggs outdoors; there seems to be more people that still have Christmas lights up.
I've talked to a few people at the hospital, and they tell me you are missed there. It's funny that some people now know me as "Brian's Mom" so that shows that you were pretty well recognized.
Of course, I miss having calls from you wanting to know "What's going on?" It's tough seeing that "empty chair" when I would expect to have you with us, especially on holidays. I'll get through it again; obviously, with some tears and emotion. I'll miss having that special holiday hug and kiss from you, but I'm sending mine to you up in Heaven. Please be sure to let our other angels know we're thinking of them and hope you have a blessed Easter together.
A TOUCHING POEM FROM MEMORY-OF.COM NEWSLETTER / Mom (1/13/08) Read >>
A TOUCHING POEM FROM MEMORY-OF.COM NEWSLETTER / Mom (1/13/08)
Please God forgive a silent tear, a constant wish that he was here. Others were taken, yes we know, but he was ours and we loved him so.
He bid no one a last farewell, nor even said good-bye He was gone before we knew it and only God knows why.
If all the world were ours to give, We’d give it all and more to see that loving face of his, just once more.
For those who have someone who means a lot, treasure them with care. For you never know their value til you see their vacant chair.
ANOTHER FIRST..AND ANOTHER YEAR WITHOUT YOU! / Mom (1/1/08) Read >>
ANOTHER FIRST..AND ANOTHER YEAR WITHOUT YOU! / Mom (1/1/08)
It's another first of the month, and even harder to believe is that it is now another year without you! Today doesn't seem any less difficult to get through as the night we learned about losing you.
As a mother, I often wondered how parents losing a child get through it. Now I know that "we" get through the days, and some of those days are really tough and emotional. Any loss of a friend or family member is difficult, but the pain of losing a child, even an adult child, is beyond what I have ever experienced in life. It is not the proper chain in life. Most of the time I don’t question myself as to why or what happened during your last hours, but there are times when I think "what if". I am so sad that you were alone on New Year’s Eve and not into your normal routine of having a good time with your friends. Today is the 2-year anniversary of you being gone, and nothing about that New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day is any easier to understand. I don't want to hear "Happy New Year" from others, but I am at least able to say "thank you" to people. I think back to January 1, 2006 and losing you and remember the shock and agony we experienced. Having the thoughts and prayers of family and friends is appreciated so much.
To those who remembered you with a toast to your life on New Year's Eve and for those who remembered you in their prayers on New Year's Day, thanks from the bottom of my heart. I appreciate the messages of support from the people who called our home today and to the people who "light candles" on your web site.
Brian, I found some mini wine glass candles in the store and Sandee printed some remembrance cards for me to attach to them. Hopefully, friends and family lit these special candles for you today, and I hope you were able to somehow know this was done for you. Your light will always shine! We continue to burn a candle for you at home always.
There are times I awaken and think only of you, my precious son, with prayers and hopes that you are at peace and in God’s care. I really miss seeing your beautiful smile, and I miss your presence in my life. You made me happy and proud. I miss the special things we shared together in life. You put so much effort into reaching your goals, and it is so unfortunate that you only had an opportunity to use your skills as a doctor for such a short time. God must have you on some sort of special duty!
Thank you, Brian, for being a wonderful son, brother, uncle and friend. Any of us could rely on you for support, encouragement and love. You were always so kind and patient.
My son, my shining star, I love and miss you very much. I pray for you and thank God every day for your presence in my life. Thank you for watching over us. God Bless You and Keep You, Brian.
Nothing Gold Can Stay / Deanna (friend)
Nothing Gold Can Stay
Natures first green is gold Her hardest hue to hold Her early leaf's a flower But only so an hour Then leaf subsides to leaf So Eden sank to grief So dawn goes down to day Nothing gold can stay
poem by Robert Frost
thinking of you all. Now Brian will always stay gold. Deanna Close
January 1, 2008 will be the 2nd anniversary of our loss.
We ask that you please rememberBrian by toasting to his life on New Year's Eve.
Please remember Brian in your prayers on New Year's Day. PLEASE LIGHT A CANDLE IN YOUR HOME IN REMEMBRANCE OF BRIAN!
Of course, we would be quite thankful if you would also "Light a Candle" on this Memory-of.com site, too.
To those of you who continue to support our family and remain a part of our lives, thank you so very much for your concern and help. It means so much to us.
Missing You, Brian (12/29/07) / Joyce Holod (Mom) Read >>
Missing You, Brian (12/29/07) / Joyce Holod (Mom)
Brian, 1/1/06 is a day that is forever etched in my mind, heart and soul. People say you are in a better place now. Are you free to walk in paradise, a sea of tranquility above the clouds? Do you shine among the stars? Do you chase the wind as though you were riding your motorcycle? When did you get your angel wings?
I think of your beautiful smile, laughter and warm and caring ways. I miss you so much. You will never be forgotten. I still cry, and tears roll down my face at so many different times. I have happy days, but so much of my life is so different without you. I love and miss you so much today and every day.
The two-year mark of your death will be here within days. Most families are still celebrating the holiday season, and I feel sad. I think of you, Brian, and remember you loved the holidays. You always made time for your family and especially enjoyed eating. You had fun playing with the dogs and enjoyed taking a nap. You loved being with your friends, too!
I thank God for every moment you were in my life, for all the times you made me laugh, for the times you made me so proud to be your mother, for the times you hugged me and told me "I love you." I would have loved for you to have the opportunity to be a parent and to experience these things, too! Slowly but surely time will pass, and I imagine the deep loss I feel will lighten.
I tried so hard on Christmas day to be strong. I remember that Christmas 2005 was the last day I saw you and received my last hug and kiss from you. Penny’s gift was a framed picture of you and your fellow colleagues at the SJWS Recognition Dinner in 2004. It was hard not to let my emotions go. Today I received an angel ornament from Kelly & Jeff. It has this beautiful verse on its wings: “Perhaps they are not stars in the sky but rather openings in Heaven where our loved ones shine down to let us know they are happy.” Brian, you will forever be “my shining star”, and I pray for you to be happy and at peace and in God’s care. I thank God every day for the 34 years you were with us. I am indeed very fortunate and grateful to have had you as my son. God Be With You, My Sweet Angel. I love and miss you.
HAPPY BIRTHDAY, BRIAN / Mom (10/27/2007)
MY POEM IN MEMORY OF BRIAN’S 36TH BIRTHDAY: “YOU ARE WITH ME”
It is autumn and such a lovely time of the year, I really miss not having you here. Today is your 36th birthday, And there’s something I would like to say.
I’m sad, and my spirit needs a lift, But I know God gave me such a very special gift. For your presence in my life, I thank God each day For you to be happy and at peace, for this I pray.
You are with me, in my heart forever, you know. You are with me, night and day,wherever I may go. You are with me when I feel a soft breeze blowing through the trees. You are with me when I walk and hear the rustle of the leaves.
You are with me when I look up into the beautiful sunlit sky, It’s a time I think of you and pray for you, my special guy. You are with me when I look up on a clear dark night, You are with me, looking down, through the stars that shine so bright.
You are with me when I feel the light, cool rain, You are with me, even when I still feel so much pain. You are with me in my many times of need. You are with me, my special Angel of Good Deed.
You were so special, and there is so much more I could write. I miss your smile and gentle ways and not having you in my sight. My wish today is for you to celebrate a special birthday in Heaven above. And please remember, Brian, that you will always have my love.
I will keep you Brian and your family close to my heart / Dessa Smith (connected by angels )Read >>
I will keep you Brian and your family close to my heart / Dessa Smith (connected by angels ) You are someone special you will never be forgotten and always loved by so many. Hugs to you and your family with love. Joseph's mom Close
GRIEVE NOT/BUT LAUGH AND TALK OF ME / Mom (10/23/07) Read >>
GRIEVE NOT/BUT LAUGH AND TALK OF ME / Mom (10/23/07)
Grieve not, nor speak of me with tears, But laugh and talk of me As though I were beside you; I Loved you so, Twas heaven there with you.
Sharing memories and remembering Brian is so important to me. I sometimes wonder why those who knew and loved Brian as a friend, colleague or co-worker cannot find the time or courage to write a few lines that will mean so much to us. I've heard some of your wonderful stories of special times shared with Brian, and I would love to reflect and remember them.
There is comfort in knowing that others care when the situation is so very hard to bear.
I thank God every day for giving Brian to us, but I miss him, his precious smile and his kind, caring ways so very much.
Please remember Brian in your thoughts and prayers as we approach his 36th birthday on Sat., October 27, 2007.
2nd Annual Brian Holod Memorial Golf Outing / Brian's Mom Read >>
2nd Annual Brian Holod Memorial Golf Outing / Brian's Mom
September 21, 2007
Just a quick note of thanks to everyone who participted in the 2nd Annual Brian Holod Memorial Golf Outing today at Sweetbriar Golf Club, 320 Jaycox Road, Avon Lake, OH. We greatly appreciate your support in Brian's memory.
It was a beautiful day here in the Cleveland area..clear skies with temperaturee in the low 80's. Wonder if Brian requested that we get a lovely day for the golf outing!
Bigger is not always better! We had a small turnout, but enjoyed a great time together. We did not have enough golfers for a shot-gun start for the scramble, but everything worked out very well.
Thank you: To all golfers; To all sponsors (especially HALLEEN CHEVROLET IN NORTH OLMSTED for their generous Platinum Sponsorship of $1,000); To General Motors/Cleveland Zone for their generous donations of Browns tickets & Cavaliers items for the silent auction; To those who made donations to Brian's Memorial Fund; To those participating in our raffles; To guests who joined us for dinner.
It meant very much to our family to have you there! I'm exhausted since I am not like most of my family who enjoy hot weather.
I know many of you reminisced some special thoughts you had of Brian. I really did not want to say too much today in fear of my emotions letting go. I miss my son immensely, and I have cried several times tonight as I think of Brian.
I will officially thank our sponsors and annouce raffle winners in the near future. THANK YOU AGAIN FOR EVERYTHING!
MOTHER'S DAY MESSAGE TO BRIAN, MY "SHINING STAR" / MOM, MISSING YOU, SWEET BRIAN (5/13/07)Read >>
MOTHER'S DAY MESSAGE TO BRIAN, MY "SHINING STAR" / MOM, MISSING YOU, SWEET BRIAN (5/13/07)
MOTHER’S DAY MESSAGE TO MY “SHINING STAR”
My Dear Brian,
I just want to let you know you are constantly in my thoughts and prayers. There isn’t a day that passes that I do not think of you. It may be a memory from your infancy, youth, or adulthood. Sometimes I smile, and other times I cry as I think of you. Please know, Brian, you are always in my heart!
Today has been more difficult since it’s Mother’s Day, and you were always a special part of it. There is such a void without you in my life. I wish I could turn back time and again share those precious times with you. I know that cannot be, so all I can do is reminisce. What joy and special memories you gave me.
I could never describe all the emotions of being your mother. All mothers feel their children are special, and there’s no exception here. You were so special, Brian, and you brought so much happiness to so many people during your life. It just doesn’t seem fair that you’re no longer here, but I continually thank God every day for blessing me with your presence as my son. You were such a sweet little boy, and you did present some challenges as you were growing up. I know you learned the necessary things in life very well, and I very much admired your desire to serve others, along with your kind spirit and warm heart. You were unique in the way you handled yourself…so calm, caring, compassionate and reassuring, and with the right touch of humor. I could not be more proud of you or your hard work in becoming and working as a D.O. You are in my heart and always in my mind, and that will never change.
I know Heaven is a beautiful place, Brian. And it is certainly more lovely since it has such a precious treasure—you! I wish I could see your beautiful smile and feel that reassuring hug from you. All I can do is pray that you know how much you are loved and missed. I think perhaps our messages are getting across to you! Thanks for getting a message to us through your buddy, Jeff. The message was hard to hear, but it was so welcomed and appreciated. Be happy, my sweet angel, and enjoy being in Heaven with your family, friends and so many other sweet angels.
Maybe I was selfish today since I cried a lot. I miss you. I miss Gram, and I miss having the opportunity to personally wish my mother a Happy Mother’s Day. Hope you celebrated with Gram in some special way. Please tell her “Happy Mother’s Day” from me, and let her know she is greatly missed and loved. It’s hard hearing people say “Happy Mother’s Day” when I hurt so much. I know the phrase is well-intended, and I do appreciate their thoughtfulness. It’s surprising how caring some people are. Laura & Bob sent a lovely e-mail message to me and send such lovely cards. Pete joined us for mass at St. Peter’s this morning. (Let Gram know there was a mass for her today.) I was not home when Heather came to the house since Dad treated the moms in our family to breakfast at Perkins. The silly girl (Heather) wrote in chalk on the porch, and she left a lovely card and hanging basket. I thank the special people in your life for remembering me today.
I received phone calls from Aunt Glor, Sherrie and Mark. Sure you’ll laugh to find out that your brother’s call was made from Coney Island (after getting off the Cyclone coaster). Mark sent such a beautiful floral arrangement today, and Sandee and Jordyn gave me a lovely miniature pink azalea plant. I’m undecided whether to plant the azalea at home or at your memorial garden at the hospital. I visited your Garden this evening, and I want to have a few additional plants added to it. The Garden sure is looking nice with the spring growth. I took Lulu with me to your Garden. Lulu behaved like such a refined lady. She even had her first experience with SJWS’s geese! I took Lulu off the leash, and she did not run or even bark. She just walked around and listened to the honking geese. It is always so comforting spending some time at the Garden.
It’s still hard getting through some days since my heart aches, and it’s difficult getting to sleep without crying. I’ve been told it’s easier with time, but I just can’t believe there is anything harder to endure in life than losing a child. I love you, my Brian, and I miss you more than words can express. I pray that you are at peace and happy now that you are in God’s care. Thank you, Brian, for enriching my life. Please watch over us, sweet angel, until we may meet again.
TO MY DAUGHTER, SANDEE..."AN ANGEL'S TOUCH" / MOM, WITH MOTHERS DAY MESSAGE FOR SANDEE (5/13/07)Read >>
TO MY DAUGHTER, SANDEE..."AN ANGEL'S TOUCH" / MOM, WITH MOTHERS DAY MESSAGE FOR SANDEE (5/13/07)
The other day I looked above and saw an Angel near. I asked a favor for someone I love & hoped my message was clear.
Please, Angel, let my Daughter see she's loved so very much, And, Angel, will you promise me to let her feel your touch.
The Angel spoke and moved my way; that's when it's feather fell... "This gift is yours to give her this day; it proves my promise well."
Sandee, Just a note to wish you a Happy Mother's Day via "An Angel's Touch". Thank you for being a wonderful daughter and a terrific mother to Jordyn. I appreciate the support you have provided me on many days. I am proud and privileged to be your mother. God Blessed me with a special gift when you were born. Thanks for being a special part of my life. I love you and Jordyn very much. Love always, Mom
HAPPY MOTHER'S DAY "FROM HEAVEN" / HEAVEN'S ANGELS (5/13/07)Read >>
HAPPY MOTHER'S DAY "FROM HEAVEN" / HEAVEN'S ANGELS (5/13/07)
Happy Mothers Day “From Heaven”
Dear “Mr. Hallmark”, I am writing to you from Heaven, and though it must appear A rather strange idea; I see everything from here. I just popped in to visit your stores to find a card-- A card of love for my mother, as this day for her is hard. There must be some mistake, I thought; there is every card you can imagine, Except I could not find a card from a child who lives in Heaven.
She is still a mother, too, no matter where I reside. I had to leave; she understands; but oh the tears she's cried. I thought that if I wrote to you, that you would come to know that though I live in Heaven now, I still love my mother so. She talks with me and dreams with me; we still share laughter, too. Memories are our way of speaking now; would you see what you can do?
It’s so hard since we have been apart; I know my mother carries me in her heart. She hides her tears from sight; many times she will speak to me at night. She plants flowers in my garden, and there my living memory dwells. She writes to other grieving parents, trying to ease their pain as well.
So, you see, Mr. Hallmark, though I no longer live on earth, I must find a way to remind my mother of her wondrous worth. She needs to be honored and be remembered too, just as the children of the earth will do.
Thank you, Mr. Hallmark. I know you will do your best; Please let my mother know her heart shines bright among the rest. Please tell my mother I love her and how much she still means to me Until I can do it for myself…when she joins me in eternity.
(Original letter obtained from Memory.com/Melissa Blake’s Mom-Angels) Close
Thinking of Joyce this Mothers Day. God Bless our Angels.
Its so hard to hear these words today after loosing our child and our mothers. But think about it Joyce, I can really relate to what you are feeling. We need to talk. Love you, Katie www.JenniferLeeMoss.Memory-of.com
Tributes and Condolences
