July 26, 1999

A family's appreciation

       The following is a letter to the editor that has been reprinted with the permission of the Daily Journal.

To the editor:

The life of our son, Brian Michael Freeman, was taken in a tragic accident on West Curry Road on Friday, July 9. Since the moment of learning of his death, we have been overwhelmed with the support and expressions of love extended toward our family. This writing is a feeble attempt to express our deep appreciation to those in our community whose hands and hearts have stretched forth touching the lives of this grieving father, mother and sister.  To Indiana State Police Master Trooper Kevin Poe: You did a job no man should be asked to do. In our darkest hour, you were professional, respectful, firm, but polite and very kind. Thank you for comforting us until our family and friends arrived. You are a prince.
To The Rescue Workers of White River Township Fire & Rescue Unit, Station 2 and Perry Township Fire & Rescue Unit, Station 2: We have been told you attempted to build a human fence around the car Brian was driving while others worked to free his body from the wreckage.  To know our son’s body was handled with such care and dignity has been very comforting to us. Thank you for your willingness to expose your hearts and minds to the darkness of such tragedies. You are public servants in the truest form. To The Daily Journal for its accurate coverage of the accident.  For the beautiful front page article written by Jennifer Jill Fowler and, for publishing editorials and articles submitted by family and friends. Thank you for sharing bits and pieces of Brian’s character with the residents of Johnson County. The story, of his life will never end.  To our Neighbors of Windsong Estates II: We’ve been blessed throughout our 26 years of marriage to have wonderful, caring, thoughtful neighbors. You have mowed our yard, trimmed our trees, provided food, etc. You are great, we are blessed. To other residents in the area of the accident site on West Curry Road: Thank you for understanding the need for Brian’s friends at Center Grove High School to express their love in the midst of their sorrow. We share in your concern for their safety as they write with paint on the roadway, and stand near a small memorial as cars whiz by. Please remember this is but a brief moment in time. The paint will fade and disappear, however the memory of these kid’s freedom to grieve in their own way will live on.  To our family and friends of 23 years at White Harvest Christ Fellowship: Your prayers joined with countless others have helped to carry and sustain us. We are humbled, but not surprised that you would care for us so abundantly. We are however, overwhelmed at the grace that God has given us in our sorrow. Knowing that we have your continued support is priceless. “God will make a way.”  And finally to Brian’s friends at Center Grove High School (and Perry Meridian): We have looked into your eyes, watched your response to our son’s passing and held you in our arms. Your letters, cards, visits and prayers are a treasure to us. You were very special to Brian; you are very special to us. We need you. With the deepest of appreciation.

David, Donna and Kelli Freeman, Greenwood
 
 

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