author unknown

 

In my dreams, you are alive and well,

precious child.

In my mind, I see you clear as a bell,

precious child.

 

In my soul, there is a hole,

that never can be filled.

But in my heart, there is hope,

'cause you are with me still.

 

In my plans, I was the first to leave,

precious child.

But in this world, I was left here to grieve,

precious child.

 

God knows I want to hold you,

see you, touch you,

and maybe there's a heaven,

and someday I will again.

Please know you are not forgotten,

until then.

 

In my heart you live on,

always there, never gone.

Tho' it may be true that we're apart,

you will live forever...in my heart.

 

   Brandon's parents divorced when Brandon was an infant and he lived with his mother the first 11 years of his life.  When he was very young he took an interest in indians.  He attended pow wows and plays about indians and even conducted his own play in his back yard.  It was a play about Chief Tecumseh and he involved many of the children in his neighborhood.   He was involved in scouts, where he won the pinewood derby two years in a row.  The first year he won first place for his troop.  The second year he won third place for his troop, then went on to win first place for his entire confrence.  He was also involved in soccer, bowling and competed in the swim club.  As he got older his interest changed to skateboarding, rollerblading, BMX jumping and rap music.  His mother use to take him and his friends all over Michigan to skate parks.  He enjoyed half pipes, quarter pipes and grinding.  He had a major crash on his bike at the Bert Street Jumps and broke his nose.  He went on yearly trips with his father to Cedar Point and out of state vacations.  They often went skiing and snowboarding.

  When Brandon was 11 years old, he went to live with his dad, his step-mother Mary and two step-sisters Christy and Beth.   Two years later he was sent to Howe Military School in Howe, Indiana, where he attended his 7th, 8th and 9th grade years.  He came back to Tecumseh and attended Tecumseh High School and Tecumseh Options, where he struggled with attendance and academic problems. 

   Brandon had a close relationship with all of his living grandparents.  His Grandma Patterson lived with his mother and was able to see him a lot and share special times.  They went on vacations together and his Grandma Patterson often went on the skateboarding trips around Michigan.  Brandon was Grandma Patterson's only grandchild by blood.  Brandon's Grandpa Patterson died when Brandon was almost two years old.   Brandon had a very special bond with his Grandma Berry, who always gave him unconditional love.   When he was younger, Brandon loved to follow his Grandpa Berry around and help him, as he made repairs around the house.   Brandon lived with his Grandma and Grandpa Berry, the last six months of his life.

  Brandon is loved by his family and his many friends.  He is often described as a protector.  One who would stand up for his friends, no matter what it cost him.  He stole the hearts of many.   The parents of Brandon's friends loved Brandon so much and often thought of him as their child, so there are many parents grieving for this young man.

   Brandon died on June 26th, 2003, just one day shy of his 18th birthday.  He and his friends had all been drinking, but the driver had the highest alcohol content.  They were riding in a car, when they hit two trees.  The car went airborne between the first and second tree and flipped over.  Brandon hit the windshield and was thrown from the car, where he died instantly.  The driver of the car  was also killed.   There were two other young women in the car who survived.  

   Brandon was laid to rest at Brookside Cemetery in Tecumseh, Michigan.  He has a mailbox with two journals inside.  One is to write to Brandon and one is to write down your favorite memories of Brandon.  He has frequent visitors at his grave.  He is currently on his third journal.   He still lives in our hearts and in our memories.

 

There is going to be a memorial page in the Tecumseh High School yearbook for Brandon. 

 

Brandon's favorite books were John Grisham books.  He also liked the series, "A Boy Called It" and "a Man Called Dave"

 

Favorite music;  Rap of coarse.  He liked Tupac, D.M.X., 50cent.

he also liked R & B; such as R. Kelly, Usher, Genuwine and most of all Nelly.