4 weeks

It’s been 4 horrible weeks since Will was taken by ambulance to the Layton Hospital. 4 weeks since he was life flighted to his least favorite city Ogden. 4 weeks without his laugh, jokes and smile.
This morning I listened to 1280’s recording of Will’s co workers talking about him the day after his passing. I’ve put it off for days, but felt like I just needed to do it today.

We are blessed to have voice recordings of Will, some from his radio days and a few from voicemails he left us. Who would have thought in 2008 when Will started an internship at 1280, he’d gain friends for life. I remember in the early years of his career I went to a remote location and met Jan Jorgensen and Kyle Gunther. Will was not pleased with me, he didn’t want his big sister meeting people haha. After Will passed I met and spoke with many of his coworkers and radio friends. I got the last laugh because I now know so many of them. That may sound weird but Will, my siblings and I were raised with laughter. Our dad, Howard, is constantly joking and teasing. My mom is witty and you never know when she’ll crack a joke.
Will was always cracking jokes.

I always go back to these words written by Sean/OC. Will really was hilarious. Early in Sean’s tribute he talks about how Will was a master story teller. I remember listening to Will tell stories in the radio and even though I knew the outcome I loved listening. Will was a character and I think that’s what I am missing most. Laughter can be healing and it definitely helped  the first week of losing Will. 

After the funeral ends and the adrenaline has faded reality sets in. I’m not loving this reality. I keep waiting to have Will come in the door or tell me dinner is ready. Or ask me if I want something from 7-11. It’s been over a month since I’ve been to 7-11...I have no desire to go inside. I love slurpees but the Kaysville 7-11 will always remind me of Will grabbing his morning Mtn Dew or a snack. 

I never thought I’d be saying goodbye to my brother on my 36th birthday. When we came home from the hospital on the 22nd we knew Will wasn’t going to last much longer. I selfishly wanted to postpone his passing for a day other than my birthday.   As Sunday the 23rd happened we were  able to  gather many of Will’s friends to say goodbye. When Will passed on to heaven he was surrounded by those who loved him, Friends from his jr high days, high school, and newer friends. We were lucky enough to have all 6 Smith siblings in the room. That doesn’t happen often anymore. It was comforting to be surrounded by so many people who loved Will. 

That’s what I’m going to remember my lovable, annoying funny brother Will having friends from all walks of life. 

Will was loved and that’s what matters most to me.