The Things We Share

In memory of Brandon Christopher Happke
Sept. 6, 1995 - Dec. 4, 1995
A poem about items that were placed
in the coffin of Brandon, who died of SIDS
on his mother and father's wedding anniversary.

by Dawn M. Czech
Brandon's Aunt

reprinted with permission

A bottle bearing roses from our
wedding day so fair,
Bearing Daddy's Mountain Dew cap
someday he would've shared.

The ceramic cross to represent
your Blessed Baptism day,
Oh God, thank you for allowing him
until that day to stay.

A rosary from your Godmother
around your heart it sets,
Oh, how we all do wish that
the two of you had met.

Grandpa's favorite pocket knife
in his pocket it always stayed,
Oh how he wished that someday
he could have seen you play.

The pewter Christmas ornament
will be there for you each year,
To remind you of your family
and of all of the laughter and cheer.

Your nuk that used to pacify you
in your little mouth it lied,
We used to use it to calm you
whenever you cried.

Your little Elmo rattle
just like your big brother's toy,
He loved to carry it with him
we hope it brings you joy.

The little Donald Duck toy
picked out especially for you,
Was from your big brother, Jordan
who wanted to play with it too.

Your first fifty cent piece
that Grandma gave to you,
She misses your little smile
and the way you used to coo.

The little dalmation toy
represents Grandpa's fire trucks,
He someday would've proudly showed you
up the ladder he would've snuck.

On your shoulder is a guardian angel
to protect you just like Grandma did,
She cries for you all of the time
for her tears she has hid.

Another guardian angel pin with your
birthstone the same as Auntie's,
Oh, how she wishes she could have held you
and played, and hugged, and teased.

The most important thing you wear
is from your Mommy dear,
For she shares the other half
and will wear it year after year.

Some things you cannot see, Brandon
for some just gave you love,
And that you will feel each and everyday
on your journeys up above.

All of these things we shared with you
represent what would have been,
To you we wish our love, Brandon
and hugs and kisses we send.

There is one thing you gave to us
all of the memories we hold near,
And with that we pray for you
our little Brandon Christopher dear.