This Christmas was our first without BradO. As many of us can (I’m sure) attest, a holiday usually spent together really emphasizes the absence of a loved one lost. Brad loved Christmas and I loved being around his contagious energy during the holidays. He had a way of fanning everyone’s sparks of excitement into a full-on bonfire.

I don’t know when it started, but at some point when we were kids he began a sort of Christmas Day chant: “It’s Christmas! It’s Christmas! It’s Christmas!” It was earnest, it was intense, and it was catchy. The chant was an instant classic and it returned year after year starting earlier and earlier in the season as Christmas became less about opening gifts on Christmas morning and more about being together for the holidays. No matter how many Christmas’ come and go, I know I will always hear his voice, see his eyes shining with borderline manic delight, feel his hands shaking me by the shoulders as he chants “It’s Christmas! It’s Christmas!! IT’S CHRISTMAS!!!”

I had the pleasure of being Brad’s nanny from 1995 to 1997, he was 14 years of age with an amazing sense of humour, a ridiculous haircut, goofy glasses and endless energy! I will never forget how he would show his joy, enthusiasm or just us talking about our past shenanigans we got up to by clapping his hands together and rubbing them and showing us he beautiful amazing smile ….

I miss him terribly, but will keep all his wonderful memories close to my heart  ❤️