Again

I'll be 36 in less than a week.

I could be in a better place as I approach my 36th birthday.

My heart is broken -- again.

I'm picking up the pieces of my life -- again.

I'm preparing to start all over -- again.

I'm mourning the loss of loved ones -- again.

But, I know why I'm doing this.

I'm doing this for you, Jacob.

Because your death, your sacrifice, your gift has to mean something.

And, it will.

I love you.

Jacob Michael Braasch (01/28/86 - 02/02/10)

Proof

I keep staring at your death certificate, but I still just can't quite believe that my baby brother is gone.

I will always love you, Jacob.

Jacob Michael Braasch (01/28/86 - 02/02/10)

Simo Says

I have a new piece up at Daylight Atheism called Simo Says.

I really like this one.

It's my take on the burqa ban debate in Montreuil that erupted into violence.

Here's the link:

http://www.daylightatheism.org/2010/06/simo-says.html

I Left My Heart in Amsterdam

I will always love you, Jacob, my heart, my love, my baby brother.

You will spend eternity in the red light district in Amsterdam.  Somewhere cool and badass, just like you.

Jacob Michael Braasch (01/28/86 - 02/02/10)

My Heart's Final Resting Place at the Chartres Cathedral

I will always love you, Jacob, my heart.

You will spend eternity at the center of the garden labyrinth behind the Chartres Cathedral.

Jacob Michael Braasch (01/28/86 - 02/02/10)

I Left My Heart in Versailles

I will always love you, Jacob, my heart.

I will dedicate everything I write, for the rest of my life, to you, in loving memory of you, my baby brother.

Jacob Michael Braasch (01/28/86 - 02/02/10)

I Left My Heart in Mont Saint Michel

I will always love you, Jacob, my heart.

You will spend eternity in the sea at Mont Saint Michel.

Jacob Michael Braasch (01/28/86 - 02/02/10)