Dear Brian,
We miss you dearly ...
Love you always ...
* * *
June 13, 1977 - August 23, 2007
Brian Wayne Abriam of Calgary passed away peacefully surrounded by his loving family at the Foothills Hospital on Thursday, August 23, 2007 at the age of 30. He was born in Calgary on June 13, 1977. He was diagnosed with leukemia in January 2005 and received two bone marrow transplants. He defeated his leukemia and had been in remission since June 2006. He passed away of lung complications from his recovery treatments.
Although Brian's life was cut short, he accomplished so many things and touched so many people's lives. He excelled academically throughout his life, achieving things far greater than what was expected of him. He graduated from the University of Alberta with a B.Sc. degree in Biological Sciences. After graduating, he started his career as an environmental lab analyst for Bodycote. His coworkers described him as hard working and fun-loving. Brian enjoyed being active and played many sports such as basketball, hockey, skiing, karate, and rollerblading. In addition to sports, Brian had a fondness for a variety of hobbies, such as collecting comic books, building crafts, and cooking. He also had a passion for playing his guitar and drums.
Throughout his illness, Brian's relentless attitude and faith is a true example of human triumph over suffering. His character embodies patience, hope, strength, and courage. What also distinguishes Brian from everyone is his pure heart. In addition to being intelligent and athletic, Brian was humble and caring. He would always think of others before himself. Moreover, many will remember Brian for his humorous and witty personality which was as contagious as his smile.
Brian had a profound love for his family. He was the model son and big brother. He dearly respected, treasured, and loved his parents. To his younger brothers, he was a mentor, a best friend, and a hero.
He also had a soft heart for his nephews, nieces, and younger cousins Darrius, A.G., Jonathan, Jeziah, Mylena, Julyan, Mateo, Katrina, and Robert. Brian is also loved by his countless friends, cousins, uncles, aunts, grandparents, godparents and other relatives, especially by Marilou, Melva, Beverly, and Gemma whom he treated as sisters. Brian is survived by his parents, Joe and Erlie, and his younger brothers Jason and Gene. Brian was predeceased by his grandparents from the Philippines, Genaro and Socorro Abriam and Mateo and Paulina Balbin.
Brian and his family would like to give their sincerest thanks to the doctors, nurses, and staff at the ICU of Foothills Hospital. We are especially grateful to Dr. Chaudry, Dr. Savoie, Dr. Zacharias, Dr. McCrae, and all the amazing and compassionate nurses of Unit 57 and the Bone Marrow Transplant Clinic of the Tom Baker Centre. There are no words to describe how much we appreciate the care and joy you brought to Brian's life. You truly were his guardian angels.
Those wishing to pay their respects may do so at McINNIS & HOLLOWAY'S Chapel of the Bells (2720 Centre Street North) on Sunday, August 26, 2007 from 3:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. and on Monday, August 27, 2007 from 6:00 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.
Relatives and friends are invited to Prayers and Tributes at McInnis & Holloway's Chapel of the Bells (2720 Centre Street North) on Tuesday, August 28, 2007 at 7:00 p.m.
Funeral Mass will be celebrated at St. Luke's Catholic Church (corner of Northmount Drive and Northland Drive N.W.) on Wednesday, August 29, 2007 at 10:30 a.m.
Forward condolences through www.mcinnisandholloway.com .
In living memory of Brian Abriam, a tree will be planted at Fletcher Park Memorial Forest by McINNIS & HOLLOWAY FUNERAL HOMES, Chapel of the Bells, 2720 CENTRE STREET NORTH. Telephone: 403-276-2296.
posted by JCandKim @9:04 AM
I'm starting to feel sad b/c my parents are leaving tomorrow.
I have had a wonderful 3 weeks with them ... I've enjoyed every moment and wish they can stay longer ... but I think Surrey is missing my parents ;) So I "guess" I have to share.
But the good news is that they will be here for a few weeks when our baby comes ... AND we'll be able to spend Christmas together! Man, I should put my Christmas tree up early in case this baby decides to come earlier than expected ;) I bet if I put the tree up in November, my boys will love that ... my husband on the other hand will be like ... what?!!? Oh well, I have a good excuse to start decorating early.
So please pray for a safe and smooth travel for my parents. Man, I hope I don't cry (like i normally do) when they leave ...
posted by JCandKim @7:50 AM
Well, my school semester is coming to a close. I have one final project that I must complete this week ... present when I get back from vacation ... and then back to classes.
I'm trying to decide which classes to drop ... I don't think going full-time is a smart idea for me right now considering I will be in my last trimester. At least though this is my last year in school ... I've been able to go full-time the past few years, and now I can take my remaining year with a little more time. Also, I highly doubt I can deal with the late nights and projects while being pregnant. So what ones to drop I wonder.
Anyways, we have a vacation trip coming up in a few days ... which I am anxiously awaiting. I think I need a break and would love some time away.
So ... count down begins! Woo-Hoo!!!!
posted by JCandKim @5:00 PM
(0) commentsThe other day I was taking a nap, and when I woke up ... what was the first thing I saw?
My belly.
What was the first thing out of my mouth?
"Whoa".
Guess I'm getting bigger and bigger every day.
posted by JCandKim @4:56 PM
how come i can't look beautiful and all glowie (yes, i know that's not a word) like anne-marie or daryeen when they were pregnant?
i just saw pictures of myself taken on sunday, and geez, i look BIG ... i mean, yes, i know i'm pregnant and all ... but how come i can't look "cute" or even have that "glowing" look?
yes, yes, i'm being vain right now ... i shouldn't though ... but let's just blame it on the hormones for now.
*sigh*
posted by JCandKim @10:43 PM
(0) commentsi feel round.
i feel huge.
i feel heavy.
oh man, i think this is going to be a big baby.
posted by JCandKim @8:51 PM
(0) commentsTomorrow is my last day working with this beautiful and precious little child. I have been working with him/her for my Directed Field Studies for almost 5 months ... and I feel so sad to say "good-bye". Part of me wants to stay on, but I think I need to be realistic on the amount of time I have free this September.
But oh my, what an amazing experience ... to see his/her smile everyday has made this semester such an enjoyable experience.
I hope I don't cry tomorrow.
posted by JCandKim @4:43 PM
So, apparently, I weigh as much as my husband now. *sigh* That does not do much for my ego, but oh well ... that's okay ... as long as the baby is healthy ...
Also, I've been finding myself a tad bit more "sensitive" than normal. So what do I do? I usually try to analyze the situation first ... make sure it's the "pregnancy" talking and not something worth getting upset over. And when I realize, it's my heightened sensitivity ... I either go to sleep or take a nap ... or try to stay away from everyone. My poor husband, if i don't attempt to do these things ... he'd be the one to suffer ;)
posted by JCandKim @3:31 PM
Apparently I'm starting to waddle.
posted by JCandKim @12:09 PM
So here's a quickie update.
Janice and Matthew's Wedding:
Oh my lanta ... what a beautiful wedding! Janice glowed all night and was so beautiful ... literally it looked like she stepped out of a bridal magazine. I'll post some pictures soon. I had a lot of fun catching up with the gang ... but quite surprised Lonie-Bonie wasn't drunk ;)
My Nephews:
My adorable and lovable nephews came for a quick visit over the weekend. I got to spend time with my little guys ... and my oh my, how I miss hearing Isaiah say, "Nee-Nang" (Ninang). I miss the hugs and kisses ... and the "wove you" (love you).
Ultrasound:
I had an ultrasound last week while Kuya was in town ... and baby is growing (and growing) ... I ask you to please continue to pray for a healthy baby ... pregnancy .... and delivery ;) It was so exciting for Love to see his baby move and the pictures of his growing baby.
My Parents:
My mom and dad are in town. And oh my lanta ... thank you God!!! My dad is helping out with the renovations and my mom is taking care of me and the home. I am being well fed, and I am able to nap more and have more breaks. Having mom and dad here is such a blessing ... today I was talking to mom and thanking for everything ... especially the home cooked meals!!!
Well, that's my quickie. Gotta run and clean up before bed. It's nice also b/c I get to go to be early these days too! Boy am I so blessed!!
posted by JCandKim @7:18 PM
... thank you God for our family ...
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