Me, Joanna, Brett, and Chuck E. Cheese
Me, and Joanna – although maybe I should call her Squeaky Fromme. She looks like she’s trying to rope me into some kind of college-kid cult.
On his 21st birthday, my friend Brett wanted all of his friends to gather at Chuck E. Cheese to celebrate. Here he was, now able to have a legal drink of alcohol, and instead he wanted to go to Chuck E. Cheese. It was such a fun night. But any night/day/morning/mid-afternoon/early-twilight/pre-dawn was fun if Brett was involved. I was 16 years old at the time, hanging out with college kids, and Brett always made me feel not only welcome, but like an essential part of the group. Our friendship lasted decades. There are too many stories to tell. My old friend Joe (who, coincidentally, I wrote about here) has re-emerged from the past, due to this tragedy, and posted some pictures on Facebook of Brett’s 21st birthday party. It’s amazing because I know the photos I have of Brett. I know my own photo albums. It is incredible to see the photos of others. I have no photos of that memorable night at Chuck E. Cheese, but now, because of Joe, I do.
A huge klieg light is now gone from my life.
We buried Brett yesterday.
I will miss him forever.
One of the saddest days ever. I can’t believe he’s gone.
It’s a huge hole.
I agree – one of my personal saddest days ever. There is no replacing him.
Still unreal.
It’s hard, too, now that we have all separated after 2 days of huddling together. I want us to all be together again, where all we are doing is talking about him.
I’m so sorry for you and all who loved him.
So wrenching. Peace and healing to all of you.
Again, so sorry to hear about your loss. I can’t imagine what it must feel like, but I hope you can gather strength and support from your friends and family. And remember to keep on living. That’s really all you can do.
You guys must have packed the Chuck E. Cheese that night–what an idea he had! I’m so sorry for your loss.
Sorry for the loss of your beloved friend.
Sorry for such sadness.
I’m sorry for your loss, Sheila. And Chuck. E. Cheese is a genius place to have a 21st birthday party. Brett clearly had excellent taste.
Desirae – such a memorable hilarious evening. I know I wrote it up in copious detail in my diary at the time, but it is so nice to have pictures.
Thanks. :(
I’m so sorry you lost your friend. May your memories of him make you smile.
Roo – after the wake, we all (the entire crowd of friends) went back to the Hilton where we were staying and had some drinks in the lounge and ended up hOWLING with laughter – not just about Brett and the stories – although that was part of it too. But laughing about other stuff. It became a free-for-all of laughter, scaring the other hotel guests.
It was a perfect tribute to Brett, the funniest man I have ever known. I don’t know that I felt him there – but I definitely felt that we were honoring him by falling off high-end Hilton couches laughing until we cried.
Thanks. :)
Sheila-
Haven’t written for awhile, but I just wanted to let you know I’m sorry for your loss and you’re in my prayers.
Lou
Thank you so much, Lou.
I’m very sorry Sheila about Brett. I’ll say a little prayer. Take care.