Dear Jared,
I’ve been thinking of you a lot lately. I remember the last time I saw you, and I want to cry. In two days, it will have been 4 years. I close my eyes and feel a sharp pain. My breathing becomes shallow and I feel as though my ribcage may collapse.
I prefer to linger upon my favorite memory of you. The 8th grade class trip we took to Monterey. I can still hear your hearty laugh – see how every muscle in your face responded. I can hear the subtle lisp in your speech, as you were still wearing a retainer in those days.
I didn’t snap as many photos as I would have liked to that day. I was feeling a little depressed and lonely. But on the way home – all of us piled up on the bus – you made me laugh. You were just being your usual silly self. I brought my camera out and captured a few of those moments. I haven’t held those pictures in my hand for several years – but the image is etched in my memory. I can see you goofing off with Synithia and Joe. I can see your smile and the sparkle in your eyes.
Fourteen years later, as you lay there in your casket, I was taken back to that day. I found myself staring at you, studying every square inch of your face. There was no trace of that jolly kid I had attended school with so many years ago.
Before I realized what I was doing, I lay my hand upon your chest. My eyes darted towards your lips and it was almost like a wave of expectation crashed over me. Maybe I was expecting to awake from a strange dream, or maybe I was expecting you to take one final breath as all of your family and friends sat there weeping and wondering why.
~@~ Jared Michael Bruno ~@~
At rest in San Jose, California, Sunday, January 23, 2005.
Beloved son of Larry & Susan Bruno.
Loving brother of Aaron Bruno and David Bruno.
Grandson of Ethel Hernandez.
Jared’s career in the Culinary Industry spanned over 12 years starting at La Foret and ending at Seven Restaurant and Lounge as an accomplished chef.
A native of San Jose, California.
Age 28 years.
We love you Jared. We miss you. We pray that your family has healed from the loss.
Thank you for the laughter and the friendship.
You are – and always will be – Remembered.
The Other Day 