Continuing thanks...  / Sandee (Sister)

Bri -
     You provided me with so much encouragement and support, I couldn't help but feel I still get that from you.  This weekend, I participated in the Cleveland MS Walk.  In the past, you were the first to sponsor me.  

This year, Jordyn & Albert walked with me.  I cried when I checked in, missing you.  I thought of how much you helped me - how I wouldn't be who I am today without your influence.

Walking around prior to the start, I saw lots of participants with their dogs, and of course I couldn't help but miss you.  Albert suggested we bring Lulu with us next year.  (Guess we have to work on her being on a leash.)

Jordyn was a real trooper.  We got about 3/4 of mile into the 3 mile route, and Jordyn said her right leg was tired - not her left, just her right - and Albert put her on his shoulders.  At our halfway point, we talked about "the medal" participants receive at the finish line, and Jordyn said she wanted down because she wanted to earn her medal.  She walked the whole 1.3 miles back and was tickled to get her medal.  (You would have been so proud.)

On the way back, I saw so many people using canes and wheel chairs.  I saw people walking without assistance, but surrounded by their entire family.  I walked lost in my thoughts.  Thoughts of first being diagnosed on your 27th birthday, of how you "pulled" MS for your role-playing at OU, of how loving and supportive you've always been - and how I wish you could have gone on to help and support more patients.  I know what an incredible man and doctor you became - and I'm so thankful that I will always have your spirit with me.  

You are such an inspiration to me Bri, and if it makes any sense, participating in the walk this year helped me feel as though I did something to let you know how much you have truly made a difference in my life, how much I love and appreciate you, and how much you continue to inspire me.

With my everlasting thanks and love,
-Sandee

 

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IF TEARS COULD BUILD A STAIRWAY  / Mom

May 1, 2006
Brian,
It's four months today without you, but we think of you every day.  You are always in our thoughts, prayers and in our hearts.  We miss you very much.
It's hardest when we are all together; we look around and miss your smiling face.

Yesterday was a family day.  The Tillers came in from Michigan to celebrate Jaret's First Holy Communion.  We met them and Sheila's family at Friday's to celebrate the Communion, Mr. Tiller's birthday, and Mark's promotion to General Manager at Candlewood Suites in Cincinnati.  It was very hard having Mark leave, but we know it's an opportunity he must take.  Please watch over him with your presence to keep him happy and safe!  Mark just phoned a little while ago that he arrived in Cincinnati safely.  I know  that my first visit there won't be far away!

We had a nice dinner on a beautiful spring day.  You would have enjoyed the food.  Brian, we all missed you, and we love you very much.

I found this verse on the Home Page of Memory.com, and it is so appropriate to express our feelings today:

If tears could build a stairway
And memories were a lane,
We would walk right up to Heaven,
and bring you back again.

No farewell words were spoken,
No time to say goodbye.
You were gone before we knew it,
And only God knows why.

Our hearts still ache in sadness
And secret tears still flow;
What it meant to lose you,
No one can never know.

But now we know you want us
To mourn for you no more,
To remember all the happy times,
And life still has much in store.

Since you'll never be forgotten,
We pledge to you today
A hallowed place within our hearts
Is where youll always stay.

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Native American Prayer  / Mom/April 25,2006
I give you this one thought to keep...
I am with you still, I do not sleep.
I am a thousand winds that blow,
I am the diamond glints on snow.
I am the sunlight on ripened grain,
I am the gentle autumn rain.
When you awake in the morning hush,
I am the swift, uplifting rush
of quiet birds in circle flight,
I am the stars that shine at night.
Do not think of me as gone...
I am with you still, in each new dawn.

Brian, My Shining Star,
I love you and miss you so much.
Mom Close

Special Thoughts on My Mother's Birthday  / Mom

April 21, 2006
Brian,
Since we lost Gram on 5/5/05, I knew this would be a difficult year for us.  I had no idea what we would have to face since 1/1/06 brought such tragedy and sorrow.  I never would have imagined that one of my children would be the first one joining Gram after her passing.  I'm certain she was happy to see you, and Gram must now know what you accomplished after she had her stroke.   I'm sure your special smiles bring her delight!

Brian, please let Gram know I THINK of her, PRAY for her, MISS her, and LOVE her!  There are no more birthday cakes to bake and take to her, but her special day will always be remembered!   

To Mom:
My days have been hard since we've been apart,
But there will always be a special place for you in my heart.
You have always been there to give and to share,
And you always let us know how much you did care.
You always had a way to brighten each day
With a kind word, or in some sweet, gentle way.

On your birthday there is now no celebration or song,
And things just seem to be so very wrong.
I know you have a special home in Heaven above,
And each day I pray and send you and Brian my love.
Please take special care of each other,
And thank you for being such a wonderful mother!
                                         Love, Joyce

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Reunion / From Sandee, on Gram's 81st Birthday (Sister)

Since Heaven has become your home, 
I sometimes feel I'm so alone; 
and though we now are far apart, 
you hold a big piece of my heart.  
I never knew how much I'd grieve 
when it was time for you to leave,
or just how much my heart would ache 
from that one fragment you would take.
God lets this tender hole remain, 
reminding me we'll meet again,
and one day all the pain will cease, 
when He restores the missing piece.
For Jesus heals each tiny part 
that holds your memory in my heart.  
This tearful heart reminds me of 
when He'll unite us in His love. 

Until we meet again, take care of each other.  I love you and miss you both.  Love, Sandee

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Happy Heavenly Easter  / Katie Ings, Angel Jennifer Moss' Mom


Brian,

Its gonna be a rough one, Easter without you to Celebrate, just watch over all our families and be sure to hunt for eggs with Jennifer and Bryan.  GOD BLESS...

^B^  ^J^  ^B^ Happy Easter

Katie Ings


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Gift from Heaven-Indians Tickets  / Mom (With Some Memories From Pete &. Sandee)
April 9, 2006

Brian,

Dad asked if I would be interested in attending some Cleveland Indians games this season (since we had not been to the stadium in the past few years due to my working evenings and Saturdays, and Indians games were no longer sold out so tickets were actually available to purchase).  We purchased two tickets for 6 games this season.  After you left us in January, Dad asked the other kids if anyone wanted to join us for the same games, and we would attempt to purchase tickets in the "same section" of the stadium,  

Dad and I went to the Indians Team Shop at Great Northern Mall in January or early February, and we were requested by the clerk to stop back after we had completed our shopping since their computer was down at the time of our arrival in the store.  When we returned to the Indians Team Shop, we asked the clerk if she had any luck.  To our disbelief, we were able to purchase four additional tickets in the same section.  The clerk stated these tickets were for the ONLY SEATS LEFT IN THE SECTION where we had our tickets.  Amazingly, there were 2 seats to the left of ours and 2 seats to the right of ours.   I KNEW AT THAT INSTANT YOU HAD GIVEN US  "A SPECIAL GIFT FROM HEAVEN" SO THAT OUR FAMILY COULD BE TOGETHER!  THANK YOU, BRIAN, FOR LOOKING OUT FOR US!

Yesterday, we had tickets for the Indians' second home game of the season.  Mark was unable to attend since he was in Atlanta, so Pete joined us!  We had some rainy weather this week, but the sky was clear for yesterday's game.  It was quite cold in the upper decks of the stadium (in the shade).  Dad, Pete, Sherrie, Sandee, Jordyn and  I had a nice evening out  at Jacobs Field and for the fireworks extravaganza.  We talked about you, and how you enjoyed going to sporting events. 

I remember how thrilled I us upon getting some seats for the games when very few of them were available.   The seats for one outing were located behind home plate, but on the upper-most level of the stadium in the very last row.  You and your friends watched that Tribe game from "up above" and it was also a cold day.   I stopped to see you during the game to let you know I wouldn't be using the adjoining upper level seats, since someone had given me tickets for lower reserved area that they were not using.  Thanks for being a good sport!

Sandee remembered her first game at Jacobs Field that she attended with you and Pete.  She said your seats were on the hot metal bleachers, and  she remembered the terrible sun burn she got!

Pete told us about one of the Tribe games he attended with you.  Your seats were on the third base line, and a foul ball hit the upper deck and then dropped to your seating area.  You caught the foul ball!  You were always so kind and caring, so it shouldn't have surprised me what you did with the ball.  Pete said you turned around, smiled and handed the ball to a little boy (2 or 3 years old).

That's the kind of person you always were,  Brian, so very giving of yourself.  We continue to learn of your unselfish actions and grow more proud of you every day!    We all love and miss you so much, and we pray, think and talk of you every day.  You will be with us again when we go to the other baseball games. Close

One Last Time  / Barry Schlentner (God Father )

April 8, 2006

  Brian was very special and his presence brought warmth, and comfort  to all he knew and will forever be remembered. Although he is not here for us to see and to touch, he will be here for us in spirit and forever be in our hearts. His laughter and beautiful personality always brought joy to us. His smile was as big as his heart. He was a very good  and kind gentleman.

  I believe in life after death. It is said that prayer elevates those who have crossed over to higher levels on the other side. So please say a prayer for Brian right now. He has already reached out to protect his sister Sandy and his niece from harm. To dream of those who have passed away are actually visits from them. I know because Brian has visited me once a few months back. Sometimes these occurences are called "One Last Time". I pray for Brian every day and will continue until we meet again when he comes to take me home.

  God Bless you Brian and may you rest in eternal peace. May you find peace, happiness and love in Heaven with your friends and family that went there before you. 

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DOCTORS DAY TRIBUTE TO BRIAN, "MY SON, THE DOCTOR":  / Mom

March 16, 2006
Message to Friends:

I recently learned that Thursday, March 30, is designated as Doctors Day. Brian worked so hard to become a D.O., and I am so very proud of his dedication and accomplishments.  Would you be kind enough to "LIGHT A CANDLE" or submit a few lines related to a fond memory you experienced with Brian, either as a friend, classmate at OU-COM or co-worker at SJWS.  Our family and friends find comfort in going to this memorial site for Brian, and we would love to see a real tribute to him for Doctor's Day. Thank you.

Without the great gift of memories, our lives would be like an unwritten book and all would be blank.

These are some of the comments/memories written by visitors in our memory book for Brian: (Hope the people do not mind that I transferred their comments to Brian's memory site.)

DAVID BRILL, D.O.
Brian was dedicated and thorough. I could always trust his judgment. He was always smiling (even at 5 a.m.)!

CHRISSY BRING - Co-Worker/Dialysis
I will always have a place in my heart for Brian. He was the greatest person I have ever met and so full of life. You knew you were going to have a good day when you had Brian working next to you.

JAVIER L. CLEMENTE, M.D.
I have known Brian for about 7-10 years. I was always impressed by his kindness, warm and very gentle character. Any patient would have loved to have him as a personal physician. It is our loss. God be with him always.

COOKIE CORRIDONI, R.N.
What a pleasure to have known such a warm, kind, caring person. It was our pleasure to have known him; we only wish it could have been longer. God must have needed him.

HADEEL DAYEM
Brian was a very loving man and very considerate to the employees and workers. We will miss him dearly.

GARY GROSEL, M.D.
Brian was one of the best students and interns that I was able to precept. He was always kind and caring towards patients, and he had a knack for medicine.
He would have loved the Penn State win last night in triple overtime. Take care, Brian. You'll be missed.

AMELIA V. LLERENA, M.D.
I have only known Brian as an intern and resident, but I was very impressed with his gentle demeanor and compassionate attitude towards my patients. (My patients are generally older, and they loved him.) I was impressed with how he was always very professional and kind. I even thought "I could leave him to care for them, and they will be fine!"

TONY MONTANARO, D.O.
Brian rotated twice with me at the Clinic-Westlake. He was compassionate, friendly and smiling, and the boy could smoke a golf ball out of sight! My nurse, Julie, and I will miss him.

CARRIE MORRIS, R.N.
Brian was a wonderful doctor. He was bright and sharp with a wonderful smile and a wonderful way with his patients. He touched me with his kindness and compassion.

CAROL RAGALLER - Dialysis
Brian was our own home-grown doctor. All of our patients were so proud of him. He treated them with such kindness and respect, but kept them laughing, too. There is a picture of Brian in our picture album in dialysis that reads "our own medical student--Brian Holod". We will never forget him.

TONY ROGOZINSKI, R.N.
Brian had a way of making people laugh, no matter how busy it got. He was always so caring with the patients in his care. His laugh and caring practice will by missed by many including myself.

TIM TAYLOR, D.O.
Brian and I talked more about Harleys than medicine at times. I really enjoyed him and felt he was a great young doctor and person. He will be very much missed.

SUE WETZIG, R.N.
I remember taking care of Brian in PAT before he had his mouth surgery..and his smile ever after!

KARLEEN WHITELY, R.N.
I remember Brian's smile. Brian always was laughing, joking and smiling with a very positive attitude. He reached for his dreams and worked very hard to attain them. He was a pleasure to be around, to talk with, to be with. He will be sorely missed! Close

The Broken Chain  / Sandee Holod (Sister)
We little knew that morning that God was going to call your name. 
In life we loved you dearly, in death we do the same. 
It broke our hearts to lose you, you did not go alone; 
for part of us went with you the day God called you home. 
You left us peaceful memories, your love is still our guide, 
and though we cannot see you, you are always by our side. 
Our family chain is broken and nothing seems the same, 
but as God calls us one by one, the chain will link again.

Bri -
A part of my heart, a part of me, went with you to Heaven.  And a part of your heart, a part of you, is still here with me, Jordyn, Mom, Dad, Sherrie, Mark, Mimi, Lulu and everyone else who loves and misses you.  The next time we're all together, we'll never have to say goodbye.  I love you Bri.
With lots of love, hugs & kisses,
-Sandee Close

There is no word to describe it.  / Katie Ings Jennifer Moss' Mom (Friend of Joyce and Sandee )
A child that looses his mother is an orphan,

a wife that looses her husband is a widow,

but there is no name to describe the pain

a mother goes thru when she looses a child. Close

A Special Person and my Memories  / Rebecca Tiller And Sons (friend)
April 2, 2006
It is hard to know just what to say - but as I spoke to your family briefly in church this morning, I knew I should try to espress my sympathies. Brian was truly a special person, he was hard working and determined.  I knew him before I knew any of the other Holod family members, and I never met anyone who had anything negative to say about him.  He was always happy and always smiling!

I'll never forget that Spring Break when at the spur of the moment a bunch of guys(one was my boyfriend at the time) decided to take off for Daytona, no one wanted to drive and Brian jumped right in and they took off in his Geo Tracker.  I am sure they had a blast - I know they did because they made that trip with Brian. 

For the Holod Family - My prayers go out and will continue to do so.  I think this website is fantastic and I hope is helps you to heal! 
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Rainbow Bridge  / Sandee (Sister)

Just this side of heaven is a place called Rainbow Bridge. When someone dies that has been especially close to someone here, that soul goes to Rainbow Bridge.

All who had been ill and old are restored to health and vigor. Those who were hurt or maimed are made whole and strong again, just as we remember them in our dreams of days and times gone by. They are happy and content, except for one small thing; they each miss someone very special to them, who had to be left behind. The day will come when suddenly our loved one stops and looks into the distance, bright eyes intent. You have been spotted, and when you and your loved one finally meet, you cling together in joyous reunion, never to be parted again.   Happy kisses warm on your cheek; your arms again embrace your beloved, and you look once more into the trusting eyes of your loved one, so long gone from your life but never absent from your heart. Then you cross Rainbow Bridge together....  Author unknown

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Miss You!!!  / Sheilla Lienerth (Tiller) (Family Friend )
March 24,2006 We have really been down some roads together.  As far back as most of my memories go, the Holod's have been a part of those memories.  I have so many fond memories of going to your house on Albert Street and all of us kids running around.  I remember watching the baseball games at Palmer Field.  I remember spending the night with Sandee.  I remember the Christmas gift exchanges where as we got older I think both sets of parents just exchanged cards for us with money in them :)  I remember our family trip to Niagara Falls where we lost Joe and Sherrie.  I remember being an adult and having just broke up with my boyfriend, I spent Easter with all of you and we played Trivial Pursuit...I couldn't believe that you got all the Bible questions right and I didn't :)  I will never forget the look on your face when you saw me at "The Basement" and those words "Sheilla - what are you doing here" that then started a period of time that I will never forget and always cherish...when we would meet up downtown...I always loved watching you guys dance and the way that Michelle treated you during all those late nights...the torture that you endured for my sake :)  That time couldn't last forever and plans took us in different directions...but we would always have family ties...I remember all of us being at the hospital the day that our niece was born.  We would always, forever, have that in common...we share a niece that I know we both love VERY MUCH!!!  Things took us a part...but you can rest assured that I have a relationship with her now and I will NEVER let that change...Jordyn was just over for Claire's birthday and she is so grown up...we had a conversation about you...she shared her stories of you and I shared mine.  She loves you so much!!!

Brian I have had such a hard time understanding...what, why, etc.  I play so many things thru my head all the time...the what if's and maybe's...I guess more than anything...I hope you know how much I really care about you.  I think of you so often...usually when I have a moment to myself..so when I'm in the car driving and always when I see your sister. 

To Mr. & Mrs. Holod, Sandee, Sherrie, & Mark - My thoughts and prayers are with you always.   Love, Sheilla Close

The Smile  / Bob Holod (Uncle)
March 23, 2006 The last year and a half has been a trying one to say the least and I could not pretend to know the depth of your pain and sadness. It certainly hasn't left much to smile about until I realized my first memory of Brian is my fondest. The first day Dave and Joyce brought Brian over to the house and I saw him I thought what a big baby he was. His head seemed so big compared to the rest of his body. As I was looking at him lying in his bed Cook came into the room. In his usual caring, thoughtful, and soft spoken manner (a little irony) He loudly exclaims " Look at the size of that boy's head! He's a pumpkin head!" Now I had always heard that newborns are incapable of smiling, but Brian got this ear to ear grin on His face the likes of which I had never seen before. Cook and I began to laugh Hysterically. It was evident from all the pictures that "The Smile" stayed with him and now with me. If Brian had his way I'm sure He would want everyone to SMILE, then pass it on.
Love,
Uncle Bob Close

A great, funny guy.  / Kelly Napier (NRHS Classmate )
I am very sorry to hear of Brian's death. He was a great, funny guy. Never seemed to take himself too seriously (even at times when he should have maybe!). My condolences are with you. Kelly Napier (Grice) Close

IRISH BLESSING FOR ST. PATRICK'S DAY - March 17, 2006  / Mom
Brian,

.......sky

Thinking of your love of life and your very gentle way,
Thinking of how you enjoyed celebrating St. Patrick's Day,
I love and miss you; That's all I can say!

I bought another angel figurine today in your memory with the Irish Blessing:

"May the road rise to meet you.
May the wind be always at your back.
May the sun shine warm upon your face
and rains fall soft upon your fields.
And until we meet again,
May God hold you in the palm of His hand."

I love you, Brian. Happy St. Patrick's Day!

Mom Close

In Honor of Doctors Day  / Rachel Kelch (Friend/Co-worker)
March 17, 2006 Dear Holod Family,
 I would like to share a story with you. I first met Brian several years ago while he was on rotation at the Family Medicine Center, where my office was located at the time. I came to work one day and had this incredible pain and couldn't hear out of my ear. Brians preceptor asked him to take a look at my ear. So I'm sitting in the exam room and in walks Brian, I was so embarassed ! Heres this nice looking man to irrigate my ear!! So he gently tried and tried and tried but it would'nt work he ended up having to send me up to the third floor to see an ENT!
So that was our first encounter. A couple months later I had moved my office up to the 2nd floor at West Shore Primary Care. One day our office manager had said we have a new resident and introduced me to Brian. Both of us just started laughing because we had already known each other due to the ear incident, that day began a period of me working with Brian over several years as he and I both worked closely with Dr. Sundaram. He always joked with me about my ear and I was always so embarassed that we met that way. But, I was able to see Brian twice a week in action, he was always so kind and caring to his patients, he referred many patients to me over the years for social work kinds of issues. I always thought when he was finally finished he was going to be a excellent Doctor one day. Just a funny little memory that I will always have of Brian.
 As a co-worker he is truely missed at our WSPC North Olmsted office. As a resident of North Ridgeville, an employee of SJWS Hospital , a member of St Peters Church, I feel that we have lost such a wonderful person in our community. I wish Brian and his family and close friends  peace. It was my pleasure having known Brian, God Bless all of you, Rachel Close

A Friendly Smiling Face  / Carolyne Dular (Friend of Sandee )
March 13, 2006 I met Sandee a few years ago now, when paired with her in PTA as a new member I was supposed to help her learn about PTA. We didn't get to talk too much at first but then as she became more active we got to know more about each other. What an incredible, funny, energetic and creative person. I was then blessed incredibly to meet her mom, dad and grandmother when her mom was able to help us out and watch my girls a few times. They have been like family all of them. A few summers past now Sandee played softball with her brother and said they were a girl short. I can say I didn't help them out too much. You know how you picture yourself able to do something you can't. I was so scared out there. The guys just had fun and that may be one of the first times I met Brian. I was transfered around the SV/SJ offices and ended up last November 04 at SJ where Sandee said Brian worked. I worked in the hallway next to GME and saw him often in the hall. If it had been some time since he'd seen his sister he'd say "How is sandee?" and laugh and say "you see her more than I do". He worked SO many hours, It seemed like he was always here. I can't say I knew him, not like anyone else can. Mine was knowing his mom and sister and niece. Like many friendships you get to know a little about someone's family along the way and it was so neat that they had a big family that all lived close to each other. (my sister lives in cali) I liked knowing with 4 children a friends brother might offer advice if I needed and that he would take a minute to say Hi though so busy. That I could catch a break during such a crazy day with a nice friendly smiling face.
God bless his family, It's hardest on those left behind.
I pray God gives you all strength and peace and contentment in his resting now with God. You all deserve to find that.

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Taking the Same Path  / Kristin Hoops (Friend/Coworker)
March 13, 2006

Never having really known Brian that well outside of work, I was really glad to have this site to look to and know that there's a place for everyone to go to, be it in cyberspace, and visit him.
I always really liked Brian. He was always very patient and friendly...I imagine that was tough considering the hours he'd put in at the hospital. I also thought he was one of the smarter people I'd met. Just in a brief moment of conversation, I'd asked him about what it was like going to medical school and told him I was considering taking the same path as him. He was very helpful in answering questions but, true to his family's testimonies about him, wouldn't come close to telling me what to do with my life (which actually would have been appreciated).

After his death I spent a long time thinking about our few conversations. I think he'd be glad to know I've decided to persue my medical education and become a doctor. It's a long road ahead but I think I've got a friend looking out for me.
I just sometimes wish he was little more tangible.
I think of you often, Brian, and wish you peace.

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