On December 29, 2002, my little brother Hunter Douglas Curran was born into our family. Just four days after Christmas, he was a true gift to all of us. I finally had a brother amongst my sisters and I was excited. Niave, sure. Many talk about how annoying their little brothers are, but as for me I'll never understand that. On August 20, 2003, he passed away. He didn't recieve any oxygen during the night and it was a hard thing to face for my parents, my siblings and I.
Having only known him for eight months, I didn't think it would hurt this badly. He left so abruptly and it left a permanant scar that no one seemed to understand. It was so traumatic waking up that morning to such sorrow and dispair just three days after my eleventh birthday. For being so young, you'd think I'd know little about a person who hasn't been on this earth for very long. But I know a lot more than I thought I did.
What's wonderful about being born and raised in a religious household is knowing that the ones who leave you never trully leave. And the ones who die before their accountable are perfected in heaven. Hunter is a perfected spirit. For a long time I still felt like his older sister and never felt his presence until I accepted that. As a missionary in heaven, Hunter is a full grown son of God who's serving Him by bringing his spirit children into the light. He is more like my older brother now and it's easy to feel his protective presence when my Mom prays for him to be with me during the hard times I face.
The day before I left for college was the aniversery of his death. My parents, siblings, grandparents and I went to his gravesite like we always did. Before leaving, we got together and said a family prayer. My mom later came to me and shared an experience I'll never forget. During that prayer, in her private thoughts she had asked Hunter to be with me after I go away. At that moment she felt inspired to look up and saw a young man, blonde hair/blue eyes - traits that run through our family, walking toward her. He put his arm around both her and my dad and said, "I'll never leave her side."
I could never thank him enough for the comfort my brother has given me. I know he's one of the many angels who are watching over me and provides daily guidance even when I don't ask for it. I'll always acknowledge that. Happy Birthday Bro. We all love you so much. I couldn't ask for a better brother.
