Hi Everyone,
This is AJ's grandfather, Tom Brenneman, writing at his behest. I have approached my blog assignment with trepidation. How can my writing possibly measure up to AJ’s eloquent and heartfelt stories?
AJ noted last week how Ruth and I had hoped that our home on the Cape would become, in his words, “THE getaway destination for the extended family, especially the grandkids.” As it turned out, these dreams have become a reality.
Ruth and I feel blessed that all six of our grandchildren love to spend time with us and each other on the Cape. Often “Dragonfly Haven”, as Ruth christened it, is full of the sounds of three generations of Brennemans celebrating holidays, birthdays or simply being together. Everyone is welcome at Dragonfly Haven where we have continued the Brenneman tradition of a summer lobster fest that my folks established at their cottage in Essex, Massachusetts.
Although most of the time our home is filled with the excitement of friends and family gathering, there have also been times of grief as we came together to mourn the loss of our beloved sons, David and Michael. Our only regret is that Dave never got a chance to see our house after it was built. He was at a point in his fight against sarcoma when it was no longer possible to make the 4-hour trip from Chappaqua to Harwich.
We scattered Dave’s and Mike’s ashes at Paine’s Creek in Brewster. The proximity of this beautiful site, the scores of dragonflies that appear in late summer, and – most of all – the love Dave’s three children, Will, AJ, and Maggie, have for our home all strengthen our connection to Dave and his memory. A special garden in the yard memorializes Mike and his passion for gardening and for his 6 nieces and nephews.
This summer we will be strengthening our connections to Dave and Mike by meeting AJ, Will, Maggie, and Mina in Santiago. I suggested to Ruth the idea to surprise the Chappaqua gang at the end of their trek and soon lost control of the proposal as Ruth enthusiastically stepped in and soon had the details of flights, lodging, and car rentals ready. Not only that, but she also immediately broached the idea to our son Matt and his family.
Ruth and I know the trip will be difficult emotionally at times, but we are so looking forward to this wonderful opportunity to remember our sons while spending time with our family.
We are proud of AJ for taking on this challenge and of the rest of the family for joining him. We know how much the Sarcoma Foundation meant to David. All of us were there when he received the Courage Award in 2013 just months before he died and will be at the SFA Gala in October of this year.
Thank you again to all our friends and family who have supported AJ’s fundraiser and to all the folks we’re now meeting indirectly, via AJ and his project. Your support means the world to all of us Brennemans.
AJ will be back next Sunday.
Mr. B- I’m sure Dave and Mike will be looking down with so much pride watching AJ accomplish this challenge. I think of both Dave & Mike often. Both were two of the funniest people to be around and always put me in a good mood. Dave with his dry humor could make all of our friends barrel over laughing and Mike’s was more “in your face” and equally hilarious. I’m sending so much love to all of the Brenneman’s. ❤️