Forever Loved, Never Forgotten : An Unbreakable Brotherhood

There is something truly special that comes from the bond of two brothers. Luke is 17 years old, only a year and a half older than Bobby and they had a wonderful friendship. Countless times someone would ask if they were twins, as they got older they stayed close in height and build and I'd even find myself calling them by the opposite names. It became a habit to say "LukeandBobby" as one word since they were always together, a packaged deal. Unlike some teenage siblings, these two were best friends.

Bobby was the little brother to six of the coolest boys I know. He loved hanging out with them and doing whatever it is boys do. During a visit from the Miller boys (from Denver) an airsoft war erupted in the backyard. Bobby spotted them from his room and showed no mercy as he shot them from his window. The older boys came running into the kitchen looking for shelter, we tossed them a few cookie sheets and shoved them out the door. They used the pans as shields and chased each other around the neighborhood for what seemed like hours. This was the first time they had ever met Bobby. Needless to say, he fit right in. For anyone who knew him for his muscles, you have his big brother Matt to thank for that. Matt was nicknamed 'buffness' among the household in high school. Bobby was quickly Buffness junior as soon as he discovered cute girls. He looked up to his brothers so much, always asking for advice and taking notes. He was turning into such a wonderful young man and without a doubt had them to thank.

I wish I could better describe the bond between Luke and Bobby, only they could truly explain the brotherhood full of love, respect and friendship. My heart hurts for Luke more than he knows. Losing your brother along with your best friend is something no one should ever experience, especially at such a young age. I'm so proud of him for getting up each morning and making the best of his days, for sharing Bobby's story and reaching out to their mutual friends. Luke and Bobby were so similar that Luke is often approached by people he doesn't know who were friends with our little brother. He is truly the absolute closest you'll get to Bobby. I hugged him the other morning as he was leaving for school and that's when I realized it. I didn't want to let go, I could practically feel Bobby through Luke.

Luke told my parents about a dream he had, he and Bobby were talking about 'what it's like' and Bobby told him he felt like a moth, attracted to the light. That is so Bobby. He's visited a few of us in our dreams and I'm so thankful for that, I look forward to my next chance at seeing him. Please keep Luke in your thoughts and prayers as he deals with this, he has the sweetest and most loving heart. Bobby will be forever missed, but our baby brother will always be with us.

All for one and one for all

My brother and my friend

What fun we have

The time we share

Brothers 'til the end.

~Author Unknown