Live Like BJ

BJ must know it’s #ForgetYOUnotFriday because our day started with the roar of a white cab / black flatbed pickup passing by as we were turning out to the main street. It made so much noise, Dillon looked up while saying, “wow!” I smiled knowing it was a little reminder he’s not far away. BJ did like to make noise in his truck and loved it when he found a part of the road that would echo the sound. 

Not too long ago, Dillon and I were reminiscing about BJ, his truck, and the noise he had fun with; specifically, the many opportunities he found on our cross-country trip to “make noise”. One time that first jumped in both our thoughts was when we were in Charleston, SC. I had rented a car, so Dillon and I could do some road tripping while BJ spent some time with his friends without us there. We both planned to go over to Charleston and Savannah, GA on the same days and Cheyenne wanted to ride with Grandma in the rental car; mostly because it was different and a new to us ride! We decided to meet up in Charleston and hit the beaches together. As we were trying to find parking in Charleston we could hear BJ driving nearby on the cobblestone narrow streets amongst the tall buildings. Oh boy was he having fun with that!!! I was texting him telling him to “cool his jets” so he didn’t get a ticket; there were many cops around the area. As everyone that knows my son, knows he doesn’t listen; especially to mom! LOL When we finally met up and both parked, his little girl gave her daddy an ear full about how “loud” he was. In usual BJ style, he just gave her his infamous grin and said, “ok baby girl”; having no intention to stop making noise! 

Photo credit: Tanner Pumala

It is a “better” day when I am reminded that he is near by the sight and sound of a similar vehicle to his. It is a “better” day when I am drawn to memories that will comfort me through my grief. It is a “better” day to know that he lived his life on his terms and was one of the most happy-go-lucky “not a care in the world” kind of people in my life. It is a "better" day to hear of the many lives he touched. It is a “better” day to know he was my son and loved me back as much as I loved him. Today is a “better” day!