Brigham's Best Friend - Eammon

When Brigham was in the 2nd grade he would talk about a kid named “Laman”. I wondered, who was Laman? About that same time, I started finding notes (in careful 2nd grade penmanship) in Brigham’s backpack, asking if Brigham could play and listing a phone number. One day, as I was picking up Brigham from school, a darling boy came out with Brigham. He introduced himself as Eammon and asked if he could play with Brigham at our house. I was thrilled. I finally met “Laman” and more importantly, Brigham had a friend to play with.

The children at school, and in our neighborhood, and in our church ward are all very kind to Brigham. Some even reaching out to be his friend. It can be a challenge at times for his peers and even adults to know how to act around Brigham. Eammon is different. Eammon treats Brigham like he would treat his brother or any of his other friends. He truly has become part of the family. He has even accompanied us on several different family outings. On many Friday nights we have made an exception of our family “no sleepovers” rule for Eammon. Sadly we had to end the sleepovers when Brigham's nights started getting so tough and RR and I started sleeping with him instead.

I love that Eammon loved all of Brigham’s toys. I think sometimes I bought toys thinking how Eammon would like them and how he could help Brigham to enjoy them too. Eammon helped Brigham’s pirate ship, castle, and cowboy town to come alive. When Brig would tire, Eammon had no problem just hanging out watching a movie or reading a story with Brigham.
We have learned that Eammon loves apples and Basmati rice. At one time Eammon was into the Beatles and wanted to play the guitar. He has tried lots of sports. He often invites Brigham to his games. Brigham is one of Eammon's biggest fans and is always asking me what number Eammon is. Eammon asked Brigham to say the prayer at his baptism. He also includes Brigham at all his birthday parties. One of Eammon's classes at school is a Peer Tutor class where he gets to work with Brigham and others in the special needs class. Eammon is never embarrassed of being friends with Brigham. Eammon and Brigham are growing up and their lives are at much different stages now. We don't see Eammon around our house as often anymore but we know their love and friendship is true, genuine and forever.

Tonight Eammon came over with his mom. He told us that his dad has been bringing home comic books for him to read. He said that he has been thinking a lot about how these heroes remind him of Brigham. He decided to capture his feelings on paper. Brigham, RR, Eammon and I went up to Brigham’s room. With Brigham by Eammon's side on his bed, Eammon read his tribute to his hero. It was a beautiful and emotional moment for all of us. RR and I don’t have words adequate to express what Eammon has meant to Brigham and to us. It is almost as if they had a special relationship before they came here to earth. Eammon is an extraordinary young man whom we all love dearly. Thank you Eammon.