Life is Better on the Water

08/26/2026

Sunsets over Barnegat Bay just can’t be best. I am so fortunate to have grown up in such a magical place.

08/26/2026

Today marks 6 months since I unexpectedly lost my best friend. My brother.

Last night ironically was the first time I’ve dreamt about him. In my dream we spoke about going away on vacation. Just him and I.

I was so excited to see him, that I decided to ride my bicycle to him. It was all down hill so it made for quick trip. I got about 3/4 of the way to him when I realized I completely forgot my backpack full of items for the trip. I had to turn around and pedal uphill in order to run back home to grab it. It was a struggle. I never made it. I never got to see him.

My alarm went off.

08/26/2026

08/21/2026

Today is a big day… 6 months of sobriety. I never in a million years would ever think I could pull it off, but I can tell you that it has been much easier for me than I ever expected. February 20th I decided I had enough of feeling like s**t 24/7. Six days later I unexpectedly lost my best friend, my brother. I decided it would be in my best interest to maintain my sobriety for my spiritual and mental health.

08/20/2026

I want to take a minute to wish this guy a happy 80th birthday. I speak for both Adam and I when I say thanks you for all you’ve done for us growing up over the years. For not only your two boys, but for our families as well. Thank you for loving us all unconditionally and always being present in our lives. Today we celebrate you and the amazing person you are. I love you dad! Happy birthday.

08/19/2026

Missing my best friend more than anything lately. If I only knew the last time I hugged you would be the last, I would have held you longer. If I only knew the last time I told you I loved you would be the last, I would have made certain you were listening. I’ve heard people say with great love comes great grief. I can testify to this. Nearly 6 months since you left us and I weep daily. I love you brother and wish you were still here with us.

08/12/2026

In the weeks that followed my brother’s passing, one of the things that kept my nephew and I occupied was Pokemon. At the time, they were completely new to me. I won’t lie, I’m still continuing to learn more and more as time goes on.

On one specific occasion, I had gifted my nephew a few packs of cards that he was super excited to get. He’s a kind kid, and never hesitates to split them with me. As he and I shuffled each of our own stack, the second card he pulls was a rare Pikachu. He was super pumped and right away we knew we had to get it graded.

Today, nearly 3 months after we sent it out, we finally got the results. Check it out! https://www.psacard.com/cert/161750627/psa

08/09/2026

This kid continues to amaze me every day. First day back at it coming off the injury list. Two weeks prior to the end of school he suffered a severe left eye injury after getting hit with a classmates student ID. Complete accident, but it cut him so deep the fluid drained from in front of the lense and his eye actually collapsed. He was taken to CHOP for emergency “globular reconstruction” where they repaired his eye. He since has struggled with some vision loss as well as light sensitivity. He was cleared a few weeks ago to return back to baseball. Even with the stitches still in his eye, he managed to make us all so proud of his resilience and hit another dinger. I know his father is looking down with pride as he loved watching his kids play sports. Great job Gray. I’m super proud of the drive you have and the man you’ve become these last 6 months.

08/02/2026

For the last 5 months I’ve received a daily reminder from Instagram that I’ve got unread messages from my brother. Today I decided to take a look. To my surprise this is the last post my brother shared with me. Ironically, 6 days prior to his passing on February 26th I decided I was going to take a break from alcohol. What I would give right now to share that pint with him. 😔

08/01/2026

Surf City 2026 “Staycation” hit much different than 2025. For the last several years one of my amazing customers has been generous to gift us a week in their beach house. Seven days for my family and my brother’s to unplug a bit, soak up some vitamin D and act like a bunch of tourist… even though we are only a few miles away from home. The last few years my brother and I would take a walk down to Boulevard Clams and indulge in some “clammers”. Just the two of us.

Today we packed up, cleaned the house and said goodbye till next year. While my family made their way back home, I stayed behind and spent lunch by myself reflecting on the week and how much I missed my brother’s presence this trip. These last 5 months has been the hardest time in my life, and somehow I’ve managed to keep my s**t together. I love you Adam and I miss you incredibly. I feel so lonely without you here in my life.