My nephew Bryan and I grew up together like cousins.  One of our favorite things to do was to play Lincoln Logs together, which we did for hours at a time.  I was older, but he built the best log cabins!

It’s been years since I’ve seen Bryan.  And, although I’ve been so sad to learn of his mental illness, I have also been so inspired by the unconditional love and support of his family.  Every time I spoke with my brother David over the years, it was just so obvious how deeply he loved Bryan, how hard he was trying to help him, how much he was actually doing to help him, and how often.  The profound love that he has for his son Bryan and the hard work of parenting that he endlessly did were truly an inspiration for me.  

I remember so fondly my childhood with Bryan, camping with them, running wildly around the backyard together, building snowmen, and, most of all, playing with Lincoln Logs.  

Abraham Lincoln, after whom our cherished Lincoln Logs were named, is an oft-quoted historical figure.  One such quotation is a favorite of mine: “It is not the years in your life that count, it’s the life in your years.”  Even though Lincoln didn’t really say this, it's still an important pearl of wisdom.  

As our family mourns the tragic loss of Bryan, it is my prayer that we all maximize the life in our years, which, as we are grievously reminded by the loss of our dear Bryan, are years of an unknown number.  We all had a different relationship with Bryan, but I know that we all loved him deeply, and my prayer now is also that we love and forgive ourselves and each other.  As Pope Francis reminded us on 9/17/2023, not two years before his death last month, 

“outside of forgiveness, there is no hope; outside of forgiveness there is no peace…”  Indeed, I think, there is little room even for love.   

Bryan was a good soul, and I know that he would want us to love each other.  I know that Bryan’s young death is for me an inspiration to build more log cabins of love.  

Amen

So sad!😢 I really wish we could have just hung out one more time at least .....I love my cousin ! We had bad times but we had so many good times too💔 he was the first one I tried to call and text when our uncle passed I just wanted to hear his voice.  I love you cuz. I'll see you again someday! You can rest peacefully now.

Miss buying Marvel trading cards with my bro as kids in CA.  He used to draw amazing sports cars too.

This is so very sad , I grew up with  Bryan, we had so many inside jokes, and secrets, and 
now lots of memories that I will always hold close to my heart. It's just so sad to think I won't ever see my cousin again. So unexpected.              I love you cuz!

Bryan lived life his way.  He left us way too early.  We are so deeply sorry for the loss of Bryan...there simply are no words to explain the sadness we feel. Grief takes time and we hope everyone will find peace with this.  Rest in peace Bryan.  God bless his family and friends. With Love, Aunt Debbie and Uncle Steve

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Bryan David Martin

8 marzo, 1977 – 7 mayo, 2025

Olinger Funeral, Cremation & Cemetery - Chapel Hill

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Bryan David Martin

8 marzo, 1977 – 7 mayo, 2025

Olinger Funeral, Cremation & Cemetery - Chapel Hill

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