1 Year.......

Boy time flew by fast. It seems like only yesterday that Shawn was here laughing and enjoying life with us. For the past few months I’ve become more aware that it’s coming up on one year since my brother Shawn passed away. It has been one of the most difficult and emotionally painful years of my life. I thought of a few ways to pay tribute to him but nothing stood out. The best idea I had was to create a slideshow to celebrate all of the good times we had, but I just couldn’t bring myself to spend hours scanning and editing photos; besides I would probably have to buy stock in Kleenex while reminiscing about the good ole days.

I’m going to keep it simple and say that I miss and love Shawn very much. Life isn’t the same without him. As much as I wish that he was here with us, I’m happy to know that he is no longer in pain and is finally at peace.

Finally At Peace….

Shawn's wish was “to find the peace i never had in life.” He is finally at peace and his headstone reflects his wish.

Happy Birthday

Today(October 9th) would have been Shawn’s 30th birthday. Typically he would take the day off work, buy himself an ice cream cake from DQ (pictured above) and, buy himself a present to celebrate his birthday. This year he gave himself the ultimate present of peace, which he never had in life, and freedom from the pain that plagued him on a daily basis. Death was never a punishment for Shawn, but instead it was a release. His search for the quiet life is over and he rests comfortably with family and friends that passed before him.

Shawn is sadly missed by those that genuinely care about him and love him.

Eternal Peace

It is with great sadness and a heavy heart that I’m writing about the passing of my brother Shawn Bentzel. He lost his life-long battle of pain and suffering on July 2, 2008.

He was a good person, a best friend and a great brother. Anytime I needed him he was there, on time and ready to do whatever he could to help. Ever since we were little kids he would come to me for advice or help. We always tried to be there for each other. I will always cherish the good times we had, our conversations, and sadly I will never forget the pain and suffering we endured as young kids.

It’s difficult to bury a brother or a close family member who you love and care about very much. The situation becomes more difficult when a beloved family member made the decision to end his life-long battle. They say time can heal all wounds, but in this case it will only help make the pain slightly less.

To all of my family, friends and co-workers I thank you for your continued prayers and support during this very difficult time.

If anyone feels compelled to contribute, either money or time, please do so to the charities listed below. My wish is to help prevent other children from enduring the pain and suffering that Shawn was subjected to as a child. In turn that will lead to them living longer lives. If a child slips through, and they do, a program like SAVE will be there to help them when they need it most.

SAVE- Suicide Awareness Voices of Education
8120 Penn Avenue S., Suite 470
Bloomington, MN 55431

Prevent Child Abuse America
500 North Michigan Avenue, Suite 200
Chicago, IL 60611-3703

Children's Miracle Network
P.O. Box 850
Hershey, PA 17033.

note: this was originally posted on my other blog Senators Fans Unite