In Loving Memory of Brian Keith Elgin Sept. 7, 1979 to July 17, 1999 I met Brian in June of 1995. We hit it off, and were pretty much inseparable for the next couple of years. We dated on and off, but always remained friends no matter what. I loved him. Oh how I loved him. He was one of those people who loved life...there was never a dull moment when he was around. He could make you laugh, even if you were having the worst day ever. We would sit and talk all night long, and I'd laugh so much I'd have tears rolling down my face. In 1998, Brian and I had a huge misunderstanding and we didn't speak for 6 months. Those were probably the longest 6 months of my life. I missed hearing his voice and I missed his hugs....he gave the best hugs. We were kindred spirits, he and I. I felt it in my soul. When I was near him I was complete, and without him I had this emptiness that longed to be filled. In January of 1999, Brian and I talked out our differences and everything went back to normal. We didn't talk everyday, I was in a relationship and so was he, but Brian and I didn't have to talk everyday. I mean we didn't talk for 6 months, but we picked up where we left off and never missed a beat. Then, on July 18, 1999, I received the call that would change my life forever. There had been a terrible accident involving a drunk driver. They thought it was Brian's car that had been hit, but they weren't sure. I needed to get to the hospital and quick. When I got there I ran in to his Mom and I knew the minute I saw her face that he was gone. Brian died at about 9:00pm. The force from the impact of the other car had ruptured his aorta and he bled to death. The doctor's say that he never felt any pain and for that I am grateful, but my one true sorrow is that he died all alone. There was noone there to hold his hand or to tell him that everything would be alright, even if it wasn't. I've struggled for 3 yrs to come to terms with his death. It hasn't been easy for me, trying to get on with my life. I'll hear a song or see something that will remind me of Brian, and I'm taken back to a time when he was here and all was right with the world. I get really sad sometimes, but then I try to think off all the good times and laughs that we shared and it helps. I'm hoping that this memorial will accomplish 2 things. The first thing I hope it does is serve as a reminder to me and all the other people who cared about Brian, and the second thing I hope it does is serve as testimony to all those who have lost loved ones to drunk drivers. I'd like to think that Brian did not die in vein.