You are my hero

What can I say Sara except,Thank you for the greatest gift anyone could ever give!

You gave me the gift of life and I will be eternally grateful to you, your family and friends.

They all gave and continue to give me the gift of Sara Brown.

Paul and Katy have taught me so much about you, it is a lesson I am so willing to learn.

They are 2 truly awesome people. I have enjoyed getting to know them so much.

You were an amazing woman with so many accomplishments, I feel truly honored to be carrying "our" heart.

I will cherish it and your memory always.

Thank you Sara Melanie Brown for saving my life!

Sara - The Unsinkable Soul

When I think of Sara so many things come to mind, it's hard to pick and chose just a few stories. Since we both grew up in the (705) area code we had so many similarities that became especially apparent when we were amongst our California connection. Once specific story comes to mind while we were out in Santa Monica for Sara's bachelorette party. We ended up at a bar with an 80's cover band... a Lindsay girls dream!!! Over the mic "Paradise City" by Guns and Roses was roaring and Sara and I both ran to the dance floor singing at the top of our lungs, agreeing that the song was a total reminder of "Lindsay fair"....only to be disappointed that some of the girls on the trip didn't have a clue about that song... but it sure made us fond of our grass roots:)

I never imagined that Sara and I would share the same hometown, highschool, university, rugby teams, state, and last but not least, apartment in California. Being with Sara always made me feel close to home, especially in tough times when you missed the comfort of your family and friends up north. Whether it was spending time running at Rancho, watching the Leafs, playing 9 holes at Drunken Gardens, enjoying a pint at the Rose and Crown, shopping at Stanford Mall, wine tasting in the Santa Cruz mountains, skiing in Tahoe, riding our bikes to Sam's for a nice "special lemonade" and resorting to taking the ferry back home, hiking Yosemite, Sake bombs at Miakes, playing an intense game of dominos, or just plain hanging out, Sara always knew how to put a smile on your face and your mind at ease.

Sara to this day is the only girl I know who can get away with sending a pizza delivery BOY away shirtless and covered in salt/lime juice; leaving a gentleman standing in the middle of the dance floor shirtless at 111 Minna in San Franny; singing "I love rock and roll" at Goosetown karaoke and getting applauded for it, hopping on some random strangers Harley outside of the Black Watch to sneak a few photos; drinking draft beer straight frome the tap at the Rose and Crown pub...all in good fun and with such uncanny innocence, nobody batted an eye!

Sara, I miss your zest for life, your optomistic outlook, your firery and sarcastic personality, your tender heart, your ability to give 110% all the time whether it be on the rugby pitch, at work, or with your family and friends. I look forward to the daily reminders that I have of you, whether it be a drive past Microsoft on my way to the early a.m Stanford runs, or having a heart to heart with my patient who is petrified of their upcoming back surgery and I always refer to your back surgery and what a trooper you were. You are a constant reminder to me that not giving 110% to everything that you do is selling yourself short...and I will always look to the brightest star in the sky and thank you for that.

Happy Birthday Sara! We all miss you!

Love Jill

Happy Birthday Cous!

Well what can I say little cousin...I miss you and think about you heaps! My memories of you are more from when we were growing up, seeing as once we were grown up we lived on opposite sides of the world. I have lots of memories of the farm, riding our bikes up and down the drive, Wade's little four wheeler, jumping off the big beams in the hay barn, your dad making us go out to the field and pick stones, swimming in your pool and in Grandma's pool, the list is really endless.

Alot of my childhood stories are from when we were out visiting our country cousins and having little Sara chasing after us. I remember visiting you in the hospital about your thumb, you were such a brave little girl. As we got older, the family birthday meals at Grandma's house, that we all attended, you always had an opinion on how things were done.

I used to love your curls, seeing as my mom got the straight hair in the family, you had the hair I always wanted. You always had a smile, even when my dad was teasing you something rotten.

I will always remember coming back to Ontario for a visit, introducing Gordon to the family and attending your wedding. Gordon was only 12 weeks old. It was such a beautiful day for a beautiful bride and a couple that was so much in love.

You are in my thoughts always, especially today when I take the boys out trick or treating. We miss you lots and see you shining brightly over us in the night sky with Grandpa Gordon by your side.

Love, hugs and kisses

Tara, Mark, Gordon and Charlie

Happy Birthday Sweetie!!!!!!

Wow..... That is the first word that comes to my mind when I think of my dear friend Sara. She was such an amazing person, and still is in my mind. She was full of life. I can't think of a better day for Sara to have been born. It fits her perfectly!

I have been thinking of all the memories I have of Sara and well..... there is just too many to tell, but here are a few. 

I believe it was Christmas of 05' that I dyed my hair brown. I was a little nervous because I had done it right before the party and Marc would be seeing it for the first time along with all our friends. I walked in and I think Marc's eyes must have popped out of his head, and not in a good way. Needless to say Sara ran over to Marc without me knowing and before I could get to him and she told him to make sure he said that my hair looked great.  I was really nervous and she came over and gave me a huge hug and told me that it looked amazing. It was just what I needed. She was amazing at knowing when something need to be said or done. 

 

Then there was Jen and Jill's bachelorette party in Santa Barbara. Sara, Sally and I drove down on the Friday night to meet up with everyone. On the Saturday night when everyone was getting ready she asked me what I was wearing. I showed her a few items, and she immediately told me that I wasn't wearing the items. She gave me one of the sassy little shirts she was going to wear and her bra so that I could look great that night. Now that is a friend!!!!! 

I could tell you all about the dinner's we had at Sara and Paul's house outside with the tiki lights, the yummy mac and cheese dinner she made for Marc and I when Parker was born, the hikes we would go on around Microsoft or Rancho, Oktoberfest 06' where she encouraged me to drink just one more drink, or how she was so amazing with Parker. He would get fussy with me or just want to walk somewhere and she would immediately take his hand or carry him with her somewhere else to give Marc and I a few minutes or more like hour to talk and hang out with everyone. She would say "It takes a village Mary". All the walks to downtown Palo Alto with a traveler from there house to go to Rose and Crown for a drink, golf at Sunken Garden. Now that was a blast!!!!! A few Hinnies and me being about to borrow the 5 wood! Nice!!!

I think about Sara every day. I know when she is pushing me to do something that I normally wouldn't do, which was one of the best things I loved about Sara. She was always willing to do just about anything. She was an amazing friend! I miss her terribly! But she will live on in each of us with our stories. An of course our guardian angel;) 

We love you sweetie!!!! Happy Birthday!

Love, 

Mary, Marc, Parker and Cooper  

P.S. I will forever miss the yummy burgers she would make and the delicious deviled eggs. Soooooo good! 

Happy Birthday Sis

I would have to say, my earliest memory involving just Sara and me is also one of my fondest. I'm not sure how old I was, but it occurred at the farm so I had to be 5 or younger (meaning Sara was 10 or younger). On the farm, for some unknown reason, we had two chinchillas. For those of you not familiar with chinchillas, they are pretty much cute little rabbit-squirrel creatures that are very furry and can run like the wind. One day, Sara and I were cleaning the cage outside. I believe it was my job to watch the two animals and make sure they didn't take off. They took off. Naturally, I freaked out and started chasing them. You can imagine how much faster a rabbit can run than a 5 year old. There was a real sense of panic between the two us considering how much trouble we thought we would get in if they got away and being faced with the almost impossible task of catching the little buggers. But, they thankfully stayed together and we were able to corner and catch them after a lengthy chase across our massive yard.

After we moved to Lindsay, Sara taught me how to do pretty much everything as I grew up. As Dirk mentioned, this included skiing but she also taught me how to play baseball. Her teaching method for learning how to catch was simple: 1) throw the ball as hard as you can at the body, so that the person must catch it to avoid serious injury and 2) verbally berate the person if they move out of the way. I can't give her credit for inventing this, because seeing Ryan with Dryden, its clear that he taught Sara this way. But it was surprisingly effective. The speed at which she whipped the ball also taught me to catch in the pocket of the glove to avoid a throbbing, painful palm.

There are tons of great memories I have of Sara, these are just the first two that popped in my head so I thought I'd share them. I think about Sara all the time, mostly when I'm walking somewhere by myself. Sometimes its just her face, other times discrete moments we shared. I think its important that we have a day like today, where we can take a few minutes and really consider what she meant to us and to others. I miss you very much Sara, and I will love you always.

Jim Bob

Sara's 31st

I've been thinking about Sara a lot in the run up to Hallowe'en. It is my sister's birthday as well and I have always been in awe of how Halloween babies manage to make their birthday's the longest lasting and best celebrations of the year!

I was recently looking at pictures and remembering Eden Fest...a festival that Sara, Melissa, Cat, Mandy and I went to back in high school. It was a camping event that we were all looking forward to. I was super excited about seeing the Cure and Sara was looking forward to the Tragically Hip, who were closing on one the nights. I made no bones about dissing the hip... who were not on my list of favourites... and Sara, in her straightforward way, told me that the only reason I didn't like them was because they were too popular and basically to relax and enjoy them with an unbiased opinion. I had my serious doubts, but was going to watch them anyway.

The weekend was full of good times...camping, sun bathing, juggling and a drink or two. As luck (or my poor judgment) would have it, by the time night arrived and the Cure came on I had fallen asleep sitting in the middle of the field and missed the entire set. BUT, I was woken up just in time for the Hip to come on...to the most amazing energy and a field full of cheering people waving glow in the dark necklaces... us included. It was so much fun! I left the festival a reluctant Hip convert....Sara had been completely right. I actually did like them but was too 'cool' to admit it. Now, every time I hear them come on the radio I think of how Sara unwittingly taught me something about myself. It was such a small thing and sounds like something of no real consequence, but it sparked this little tiny seed in my mind that wouldn't fully develop for another few years. That seed was that if I don't pre-judge and if I go into every situation with an open mind I'll get more out of my experiences. This is something that Sara actually practiced herself and I think it's the key to why she was so full of life. She was always open and welcoming of people, situations, and new experiences. She was up for anything that life brought her way and appreciated people for who they were. This is a big part of what made her sparkle and the reason that she made such a mark and touched so many people. And she did this all without knowing. When I look at her family, it's not hard to see why. Her parents have that same open and welcoming nature. It is clearly a gift that can be passed on and I hope that I hone it in the coming years and pass that little bit of Sara on to any children I might have. She may not be physically on this earth but Sara is certainly here, imprinted in different ways on every person who ever knew her.

Andrea O

Happy Birthday Sara!

Where to start...Sara had so many good qualities and I have so many great memories of her, 13 years worth. She was generous, talented, smart, determined, caring, super fun, a great friend and an amazing sister-in-law.

You knew where you stood with Sara and she was always ready with a sarcastic come-back. I remember the Sara that was strong and the best at everything, but I think my favourite thing about Sara was her big heart. She was a real softy for romantic comedies, she cried watching movies more than anyone I know.

One of my favourite memories was visiting Paul and Sara to hike Half Dome. On the ride up Sara and I watched Harold and Kumar in the back seat while Paul drove...we also talked a lot. It was a great trip. One of the best parts was going back to their place the day after, we could barely walk so we made dinner, Sara baked some brownies and Sara and I settled in to watch Maid in Manhattan. Yes, the very bad romantic comedy starring Jennifer Lopez as a hotel maid. While we both agreed the movie was bad, I looked over and saw Sara balling her eyes out on more than one occasion. That's how big her heart was, big enough to love Jennifer Lopez.

Sara and I appreciated a lot of the same things - sarcasm, having someone tug the ends of our pants down (hard to explain this one), watching So You Think You Can Dance, and of course Paul Mennega.

I often find myself in one of those "can I get a witness?" moments, you know, when someone does something crazy and you need someone to agree with you that it's them and not you. Sara is my favourite witness, I know she agrees with me in most of these experiences.

Thank you Jim and Di for raising such an amazing person, thank you Brown siblings for shaping who she was, thank you Paul for making her my sister-in-law, most of all thank you Sara for being Sara. To me you were perfection.

Love,
Cat

Happy Birthday Sara

A special girl born on a special day
I'm thankful that Jim and Di brought you into our family and you gave us such joy and excitment for so many years.
It was great fun watching you grow up!!
Your name will always bring a smile to my face and a tear down my cheek.
miss you
love
Auntie Lorna (Lo Lo)
ps
I'll be eating your share of chocolate today!

Happy Birthday Sara!

Sara

Ed and I often talk about the great times we had with yourself and Paul when we visited Palo Alto. In February 2004, we planned on visiting you but Ed had just undergone surgery and we did not know if we could make the trip. However, once we hit Palo Alto and visited a couple of micro breweries and wineries, he made a remarkable recovery. We laugh when we talk about you sticking your foot out and tripping Paul as we walked downtown.

It was always so much fun to have you both come visit us. Your happy mood when you came bouncing down the stairs in the morning and made breakfast (egg McMuffins) for Paul and yourself. The annual get together with all of your University friends. Family dinners and your famous "smashed" potatoes.

When you were planning your wedding you were so generous as to include all of us when you went to pick out your dress and book the venue. That meant so much! We always said that Paul and you were like an old married couple but old married couples do not know how to enjoy life the way you did.

Thank you for showing us how to enjoy life.

You will be forever in our hearts.

Liz and Ed

More Pictures

2004 at Asia SF

2004 at Asia SF

Leave it to Sara...

2006 group shot

2006 - A Sara-inspired game to be sure...

Ah yes, Sara's Birthday...

Halloween, what a perfect day for Sara's birthday... could there really have been a better day for someone who:

• loved to have fun
• loved to dress up, and
• was completely and utterly addicted to candy?

Halloween was always my favorite 'holiday' of the year, as I got a chance to spoil Sara and also got to witness first-hand the pure joy that she had for this day. We should all learn to live each day a little more like Sara lived her birthday!

Obviously, spending our entire adult lives together means I have a long list of great memories, and many many pictures of Sara dressed up in her Halloween outfits.... where to begin?

Well, one great memory I have was when Jim and Di, Sara's parent's, surprised Sara by coming down to California for a visit for her Birthday in 2005. I arranged to take Sara out in San Francisco to a restaurant she really liked for her birthday dinner. We showed up at 6:30pm or so for our 7pm reservations (yeah, we ate early!) While Sara went to the bar to grab us a few drinks and I went to 'check on the table' I let the restaurant know that we had a few surprise guests coming and to hold the table until they arrived. So a few drinks later, I see Jim pop his head in to the entrance of the restaurant looking for us. I distract Sara while they come in to the crowded bar area, and then she turns and sees them... I truly have never seen anybody so surprised in my life. The look of disbelief/joy on her face was something I will never forget. Of course then the tears came too! Needless to say, we had a great weekend, and Sara made sure her parents got into the Halloween spirit in style!

Another great memory of Sara's birthday was the fact that it wasn't just a single day, but an entire month long celebration of all things Sara. I would literally wake up on October 1st with a beautiful smiling face staring back at me, asking 'Guess who's birthday is soon?!?' By early October, we would have pumpkins out at our little apartment, and decorations up inside (I still have a huge box of them!). Throughout the month, I could expect constant reminders, prods, and of course sarcastic comments about this being her 'birthday month', so 'why should I have to do this?', tongue in cheek of course. As someone who doesn't celebrate a 'birthday month', Sara clearly used this to her advantage!

Sara, you were many things to many people and I can't or won't pretend to be able quantify what those things are. As you can see on this page, and as you hear when we still talk with you, others have said them better than I ever could. But I know what you were to me. You were a shining light on even the dullest of days. You were someone that I looked up to in so many ways, someone who helped me be 'me' and loved that person unconditionally. You were someone who was funny, happy and truly, truly knew how to live life. Simply, you were my best friend and I will never ever forget our love or your spirit.

Love always, Paul

Happy Birthday Sara

There are so many times throughout the year when I think about you Sara. Every summer at Yosemite, sitting with a beer at the Rose and Crown, celebrating Orphan's Thanksgiving or Christmas, or every time I drive my MSFT on the 101. But Halloween is definitely one that stands out as Sara Brown's own special holiday!

As you might remember. I hate Halloween. I hate thinking about dressing up. I hate dressing up. I hate carving the pumpkin - it's just not my holiday. BUT, you obviously LOVED Halloween and you had this knack for not letting anyone get out of the celebration. I knew every year that you were going to make me dress up and do the whole thing, but I also knew every year that you were going to make Halloween fun. From dancing to Jen singing at Goosetown, watching the drag queen's at Asia SF, partying in Sally and MOF's beautiful new house, or knocking back Kamikaze's in Los Gatos, you MADE Halloween for the rest of us. Hasn't been the same without you. (I've gone back to being the Halloween Scrooge!)

There are so many other stand-out memories that I have of you Sara, but my favourite ones are the ones that can all be described in one way - they are the times that YOU, Sara did something that NO ONE else would have thought of, let alone done, and it's those things that I will never forget...to name just a few...The Pizza Guy at my bachelorette party in Austin.... The Sweet Caroline kareoke at our wedding...the hot tub shenanigans at your Bachelorette party in Santa Monica.... these Sara initiated crazy activities are my fondest memories, as they prefectly represent who you are - someone who is all about living in the moment, and is all about having fun and making everyone smile.

We miss you and your crazy antics.... we love you.

happy birthday Sara!

Steph
xx

Our Dear Aunt Sara

Well Dryden and Taylor, Sara's nephew and neice are now 9 and 7 years of age. They have grown but their love for their Aunt Sara has never diminished. As a family we would like to share some of their comments about their memory of Sara and funny things they have said over the past 2 years...
"I remember when you got me my pony castle. I still play with it and use it with my Littlest Pet Shops." - Taylor
"The funniest thing was when you called and left a message saying it was Aunt Paul and Uncle Sara calling." - Dryden

The kids often got Katy and Sara mixed up, but the distinguishing feature for them was the one with no thumb!

Taylor is very protective of the gifts that Sara gave her; her coat, dog purse and Pony Castle. When I asked if Taylor was ready to pass the coat to her little cousin, she said, "no Aunt Sara gave that to me, I want to keep it". It is now put away in her special memory box.

Taylor often seeks out the brightest star in the sky and says, "That one is Aunt Sara, I know it!"

Dryden and Taylor both take comfort in knowing that Aunt Sara is watching over them and that Aunt Sara takes care of their sister, Hayley. They often discuss what "perks" there is in heaven, as they don't think there is any rules in heaven and Aunt Sara would let Hayley do it anyway!

Uncle Paul shared a very generous gift to the children and contributed to their RESP in memory of Aunt Sara because she would want to see the kids continue their education and be all that they can be. However, in Dryden's mind he is just going to play in the NHL and won't have to go to school but says, "oh ya, I have to go to school because Aunt Sara wants me to". Whatever will work!!!

The point in sharing these stories is that we, as a family, believe that it is crucial to keep Sara's memory alive and will continue to speak about her with the children.

Dryden and Taylor

One more Airplane Ride

I know my brothers and I went through many a babysitter when we were kids; some toughed it out while others never came back. Some of my greatest memories of you are when I was a child. Sara, Thank You; for the countless hours you spent laying on the floor with you feet in the air, while we would take turn after turn on your "airplane rides", For introducing me to Greenday Dookie and I'm too Sexy! For taking me skiiing and showing me the way down, and too stop by falling over! I still remember that day you told Katy, Jami and myself to stay on that one run! and how mad you were when we passed you under the lift a few runs over. That day was my first true introduction to skiing, you made it look so easy. Sara you may have thought your shorter thumb was a disadvantage, but if I do recall, that thumb won you many a thumb war!

Sara, you will always be my cousin that works for Microsoft, my encouragement to move out west, and that little angel on my shoulder that tells me to live for the moment! (go on... buy those expensive toys... you need them!)

The 31st of Oct is a day filled with candy, costumes, and great parties; On this day of Hallows Eve, I raise my glass - "To chasing dreams, following your heart and living goals! Happy Birthday Sara!"

1...2...3...4... I declare a Thumb War...

-Dirk

I think that it is tough to try and nail down one or two great moments with Sara as she had a remarkable ability of making every moment one to remember. Whether it was dropping bombs at the Bates Hotel in Chatham, schooling you at most drinking games, or just speaking her mind and telling you how she really felt, every opportunity to hang out with Sara was a great one. I will always miss the other half of our travel partners but will be sure to raise a glass to her, and remember her at every opportunity.

Happy Birthday Sara!

Happy Bday BFF

The most amazing thing happened to me today. I was driving home from work, thinking about this blog and Sara and all the amazing times we spent together when on the radio a song started to play; The Fugees "Everything is Gonna Be Alright".
Now, if you went to LCVI and graduated with Sara and I, you would remember this was our Grad song. Of course, we had replaced some of the lyrics with others, and all the grads sang this together at our farewell ceremony (I know, sounds cheesy).
I haven't heard this song in years and it brings back so many memories. You know, all the ones from high school that are worth remembering, which basically include friends, parties, spares, lunches, etc. Very few of my memories relate to actual school or classes.

I consider myself very lucky to have met Sara and even luckier to become one of her closest friends and eventually call her my sister-in-law. We definitely clicked in high school and our friendship grew every year after that. Even when she moved away to California after University, I still considered her one of my best friends and someone I always looked up to.

Two of the best days of my life were her wedding and mine. I was thrilled to be her maid of honour and see her marry my brother. Who is lucky enough to have their best friend marry their brother? My wedding was the last time she was home. The last day I saw her was the day after. We had so much fun together that entire weekend.

In May 2006 she helped organize a trip to Vegas for a pre-wedding party and she went above and beyond to make sure it was a blast for everyone. That June, she helped put together the last minute details of my wedding. “Details” were Sara’s strong suit…but so was having fun. She was well balanced that way and we miss her at every family event because we have no one to tell us what’s happening next and to get the games started. She was bossy but in a good way…kind of hard to explain unless you knew her. I loved this quality about her.

I will always miss her but more importantly I will ALWAYS remember her. She made a stamp on this earth (and in my heart) that will not be erased with time.
Happy Birthday Sara…we love you.

xoxox
Melissa, Andy and Madelyn

"good friends we've had, good friends we've lost along the way,
in this great future, you can't forget your past,
so dry your tears I say,
...everything is gonna be alright"

The Unstoppable Sara Brown!

To: Sara
From: Mary

Well Sara, Happy Birthday! They say your teens are filled with hormones, your 20's filled with turmoil over figuring out what to do with your life and your 30's are when you pick your head up and really start enjoying life. For you though, it seemed like you always knew what you wanted to be, and always enjoyed life to its fullest!! You were always a bit ahead of me :-)

I have so many fond memories and think about you all the time, especially when I wrap myself in your blanket and think how warm and whole it makes me feel.

One of my favorite times with you was when we were in Austin celebrating Steph getting hitched! Wow- what a weekend. Besides a poor pizza boy that will never be the same, a piano man that will never forget that weekend either, or a few of my plants that got taken out in the fun it was a time never to forget.

I also like to think about how we would sit by the fire pit in our place in Los Altos and talk politics and history. We never had any problem telling each other how we felt, but at the same time we respected each others minds and opinions. You felt comfortable around everyone for a very simple reason, you were always confident in your own skin and you loved your friends. Pretty much a perfect combination.

I miss your damn butter tarts and hamburgers! Was horrible for me but I could never resist grabbing one. Even the fact you had a special butter tart carrying case was pretty impressive!

I miss playing golf with you and teasing you about you slicing the ball and blaming it on your thumb! I miss going to Rose and Crown and dancing to the jute box, going to the MAC store and trying on almost every eyeshadow shade that existed, and splurging once a year on a pair of really nice jeans.

Most of all, I miss your light, your energy. You were always up to do anything and always came with a smile!

You are unstoppable Ms. Sara Brown! You always will be.

I love you and happy Birthday! I hope your celebrating with a few Marg's right now!

-Mary

Beautiful Sara in Los Cabos - September 2006

HAPPY BIRTHDAY SARA!

I really only got to know Sara for a very short period of time...but I was very fortunate to know such an amazing person and consider her my friend!

My fondest memories of Sara are from our trips travelling. Italy is dear to my heart in where Sara and I took over the bar and showed them Italians how a cappucino is really made - lol! I still have the handprint from our crazy shenanigans in Venice - thanks Paul!

Los Cabos was memorable as it was the last time I saw Sara. Long nights of Mexican Train and bevies. I still recall her prediction that I was having a little Gina - and she was right - I have a little Milan Sabrina!

I really do miss you Sara and wish you a very Happy Birthday!

You are always in my heart and will never be forgotten!

LOVE YOU!

Michelle

xoxoxoxo

Memories of Sara the Great

Thanksgiving is a time to be with family and friends, but for me, it carries a much more significant meaning. For me, it's when I remember Sara and all the wonderful things she brought to this world.

We recently moved back home to Colorado and packed all of our stuff away in boxes. Well, its been 6 months and so we are now just starting to open some of those boxes, and as we do, I find some great little things that remind me of sara. In a recent box unpacking exercise, I came across all of our board games and of on top was Apple's to Apple's. I think the game was so fun for all of us to play with Sara because logic can be completely taken out, putting Sara in a tizzy.

One item we unpacked early was the book we all made for Sara. We frequently read through it with our son Noah so that he can always remember Sara. It is also a good way for us to teach him about life and that the good people go to heaven. In a way, talking to Noah is how we remember Auntie Sara.

So, as another year goes by, I find that the sadness is lessened somewhat, but the space left behind never really gets filled up.

Happy Birthday Sara!

Kim, Tyson, Noah and Simon

The best big sister anyone could ever ask for

Sara was my big sister and the best big sister anyone could ever ask for. She was constantly saving my butt. On the field, with my studies and even at parties when I ran my mouth a bit too much. I was at a party once when a girl approached me and wanted to fight me because she thought I liked her boyfriend. Ah the highschool days. Anyway, Sara just so happened to be at the party. Sara walked up to us and as soon as this girl saw who my sister was she literally walked the other way. That actually wasn't good enough for Sara though. She called her back and made her apologize to me. That night I left the party with my pride and without a black eye because of Sara. There are a couple of other times I could mention but I think for my parents sake would be better left untold;) Let's just say that Sara always seemed to be there for me when I needed a hero.

While Sara and Paul were in University I spent a lot of Oktoberfests in Waterloo with the gang and have to say that those days are probably my faves. Walking into a bar right in front of Sara with her id in hand and myself at the age of sixteen, we never got stopped.... okay maybe once but all it took was one little wink, wink from Sara and we were on our way to drunken, sausage eating festivities. Once inside it was like every other time with Sara, the best time of my life! Dancing on tables, shots for everyone and competing for who could steal the best felthat.

As we grew into our 20's, I got to see just how happy an individual could possibly be. Visiting Sara in California and being able to witness her marry the love of her life in a celebration that none of us will ever forget. I think we can all say that was the best damn wedding any of us have ever been to and just like Sara, she stayed up and partied as late as she could. She was always the life of the party with a smile on her face and those squinty eyes that put the Brown in Sara Brown.

Sara was such a beautiful person. She was always happy, positive, willing to help others and the best at anything she ever did. She was everything I have ever wanted to be and I will remember her everyday for the rest of my life!