[the.stitch]: :keeping the name alive:

2012 Brandon Jacques Classic

it is known that many people grieve in many ways. i have learned this from first hand experience and still learning daily that i am not in control of my emotions or what i may feel from day to day, so i have learned to follow where i am led and work with what i am given. {easier said than done.}

i lost my brother on april 2, 2011 and while i am not quite ready to share that whole story with the world. i am willing to share this...

the beginning of the grieving process should just be called "blacked out". for weeks, i dont remember much. i remember just wanting to say his name. talk about him. keep his name going. and what better way than to create a foundation in his name and get a golf tournament started.

we started planning in august of 2011 with the decision making, there needed to be a logo, we needed to be tax exempt. where would we have it? how would it work? thankfully, we have so many loving and amazing people in our live that my idea became a reality.

during these times- it was the tournament and faith that was holding me together.

and on June 23, 2012 - we held our 1st Annual Brandon Jacques Classic. it was amazing. it couldnt have imagined it going any better. it seemed like the all the little pieces finally fell into place. and my dream had come true. we were keeping the name alive.

we had had about 140 golfers and around 60 volunteers. we mingled, chatted, shared memories, and celebrated this day in Brandon's name. i was gleaming in all the love for my brother. it was definitely one of those "proud sister" moments that i'll never forget. i know i made him proud.

at the end of the day; after the camera crews, announcing winners, and celebrations, we were successful. we had kept the name alive, raised awareness, and raised money for a great cause.

as president of the Brandon M Jacques Foundation, i was able to write a check for over $4,000 and mail it to NEDA. it felt so good and rewarding. somewhat therapeutic.i was doing good with my grief. we were going to help stop this from happening to another 20 year old male. but that is just the beginning...

logo from last year.

planning has begun for this year's tournament. June 22, 2013 at Paradise Pointe Golf Complex. i am looking forward to another opportunity to make my brother proud. to keep his name alive.