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My Sibling Loss

I lost my brother, my only sibling, and Bereaved Families of Ontario – Midwestern Region helped me to memorialize him.  Five days before Christmas on December 20th, 2003 my brother Michael was killed in a car accident.  He was only 21 years old. He only lived a part of his life, yet he experienced and did more with his time here than most people get to do with a full life.

Michael was a loving, caring person with a heart of gold.  When he died a part of me died as well.  I felt I had lost a part of my childhood and a part of my future.  I was overwhelmed with sadness and feelings of hopelessness and it was then that I reached out to BFO for some much needed comfort.

I soon began attending their amazing memorial events.  I needed to remember and honor my brother and let the world know how amazing he was and BFO helped me do that.  For over 10 years now I have been attending BFOs most beautiful memorials such as the Tree of Bright Stars and the Butterfly Release/Walk to Remember.

Those events mean so much to me and I keep them very close to my heart. The Tree of Bright Stars became so meaningful to me that, several years ago, I became a committee member who helps to organize the whole event.

To everyone at BFO, especially Rose, I thank you.  And to my brother Michael please know we will never forget you; we will keep loving you instead.

By: Christina Borutski-Dukes