Story

Brent was born on November 14, 1955, and passed away September 21, 2001. Most of his medical conditions can be found in the speech he wrote for the Senate Hearing Aging Committee and therefore that does not need to be gone into. Instead I will tell you about the person behind those words. During his time here, he touched many people's lives in both good and bad ways. For us as his family, any day he spent being able to talk with us showed us his strength and determination to exist in a normal way. With everything he went through he never question why he was given this challenge in life, he just accepted the fact that this was someone else's choice for him. When younger, he had bouts with kidney problems associated with his form of Nephritis, but he contined to show dogs, do gymnastics, futhering his education, and restoring old cars. Many junk yards were visited by this spirited guy and dreams were built, piece by piece. Listening and learning about everything kept his mind sharp and you always kenw where you stood with him. It didn't matter to him if you agreed or disagreed, as long as you spoke your mind, he respected the fact that you had your own opinion and were willing to stand behind it. When mad about something, he could speak faster, spitting out words quicker than any telemarketer.
Brent thought of his problems as a learning experience, relying on Granny's old saying of "God only gives you what you can handle" and "There is always a reason for everything". I am sure at times when we weren't around, he would question these things but never once did he let on to us. He showed his strength by continuing school and working as much as he could. Building his own businesses with those original ideas, and when necessary, he found outside employment. His chosen profession, by trait, was that of printing, and as usual he gave it his all. Whether it be for himself or another person's business, he was behind them one hundred percent and offered any service possible.
My brother's fight for better care was not just for him but for all patients. He didn't expect the impossible, just the right treatment by those who had his life in their hands. Along with simply being tired, knowing too much and challenging those who were taking care of him because he had more knowledge than they did took their toll on him. He wasn't afraid to speak out in the public eye nor put himself in the situation of being labeled trouble in order to promote these issues. Making the public aware of the problems and encouraging others that they can be heard and have every right to be treated as a human being and not a dollar sign, was one of his greatest wishes. Unfortunately, this was not attained in his lifetime, and he needed to make his journey home. We as his family will continue Brent's fight for the future in every possible way. We may not have the knowledge obtained by him in these times, but we have his memory and spirit behind us, pushing to see that this is achieved.