Whenever I lose someone, I write about the person because it helps me grieve and get my feelings out. It was Thursday morning when I got a message from my niece wanting to give me a call. I was in bed, but I knew in my heart it was important, so I told her it was fine to call. Her voice was etched with sorrow and pain when she told me my nephew, Jason, had passed. I was in shock. I couldn’t cry. I just knew I had to tell my husband, who was very close to him. I had to be strong for him.

I married Lou in April 2007, and that’s when I met Jason. He was my husband’s sister’s son. Lou’s sister, her husband, her two girls, and Jason came to our wedding. I was delighted to meet my husband’s family. They welcomed me into the family with open arms. After the wedding, Jason gave me a big hug. His arms were gentle.

In the years to follow, Lou and I took vacations to Somerset, PA, where his sister and family live. Each time we visited, Jason took time off work to spend with us. We went to Latrobe to the Steelers training camp, we played putt-putt, we went to the mall, and we hung out at our hotel room. Jason’s laugh could brighten any soul. Hanging out with him was always the highlight of our trips, along with seeing the rest of the family.

Lou’s a Steelers fan, while Jason was a Titans fan. The two teased each other about their teams. When I got stuck in the middle, I sided with my husband. Even though he wasn’t a Steelers fan, Jason willingly went to Steelers training camp with us. He even pushed his way through the crowds to help Lou get autographs from the players.

During the time we hung out in our hotel room, I got to know Jason more. I came to love him dearly. He always had a bright smile and a kind heart. One time he told us we were his favorite aunt and uncle. That made me feel wonderful. It was hard coming into Lou’s family with nieces and nephews that were already grown up. Jason made me feel like I had always been a part of his life. It meant the world to me to be considered his favorite.

Jason was special in many ways. He had a fun and loving personality. He gave wonderful bear hugs and knew how to make the world shine brighter. It just doesn’t seem possible that he could leave this world so soon. He was only thirty-six and he had his whole life ahead of him. I saw him fall in love and then have his heart broken. I waited for him to find the right woman so I could go to his wedding, and some day hold his babies. Unfortunately, that never happened. It doesn’t seem like he was in my life long enough.

Jason, in the short time he was in my life, made a huge impact. My life was and is brighter and more beautiful because of him. It was an honor to be his aunt. He will always have a special place in my heart. He left this earth too soon, but I know he is in heaven making the other angels laugh and smile.

My heart is broken because of losing Jason, but in time I know it will heal. I will never forget him. He will be in my heart forever. His memory will help me through my grief and guide me to the light of recovery.

Next week there won’t be a post because we are traveling to Somerset for Jason’s memorial service.