Last week I was honored to be a groomsman for my cousin
Justin Gunnoe. He married his long-time
girlfriend/fiancée Jenny in Columbus, Ohio. It was a great day and it was fun catching up
with all our relatives who we do not see enough.
Brian came up several times that
weekend. Many discussed how Brian
lovingly hung Justin to a doorknob by his underwear and how bad Brian was at
golf. The stories were great. Justin tried to bring him up during the
introduction of the groomsmen at the rehearsal dinner. Drew also mentioned him during his eloquent
best man (Gary Junior was also best man) speech. Drew discussed how Brian was “the sixth
groomsmen” and how he “would be here tonight.”
I was thinking about that remark when Justin was dancing with his mom
Judy. I do not know if they picked the
tune – or the DJ selected it – but “Over the Rainbow/What a Wonderful World” by
Israel "Iz" Kamakwiwo'ole was playing. (Take a look at the youtube video below. You know Brian would love the singer!)
This is the song playing at the
end of the superb “Finding Forester.”
This movie was loved by Brian and as I discussed before, this song is
often heard during special family events.
Susan and I have heard this song version numerous times and consider it
as one of Brian’s special ways he communicates to us, to say in effect, “I am
here with you.” Susan will often smile and
say “there’s Brian” and “I know he is here with us.”
I believe Drew and Susan were
both right. There is no doubt in my mind
Brian would be at Justin’s wedding. After
hearing “over the rainbow” while Justin and Judy were dancing, there is no
doubt in my mind Brian was with us.
