Remembering Rob...

When you grow up in a small tight knit community and you choose to raise your children in the same place ...

Paths cross with some wonderful people you have known as long as you can remember. 

Buhrlage was one of those people in my life. I grew up with him and I was able to know him as the man he grew into. He was a police officer and a very proud man of service. He was someone you could go to for anything and someone that would have given his right arm without question.

Although I have known him most of my life, sitting at the hospital next to him the night Austin passed away is something that is ingrained in my memory. Being in that moment with him and seeing who he was as a friend is something I will never forget.

Watching him cross the finish line at the Flying Pig and seeing him complete that fete in Austin's memory was another testament to his dedication to his friends.

He was a loyal friend and a loving son and brother. Life never ceases to amaze me. 

If one thing brings me a smile on a day like today it is that I know that just as Buhrl carried Aiden across the finish line on Earth he is carrying Austin in Heaven. 

When I talked to Anna about his passing she told me that Emma, Connor and Austin would be very excited because now they can have a police officer at their birthday parties. I am sure he was welcomed with lots of little open arms. 

Sending all of my love and prayers to his family and friends.