Brian Rozelle

I learned today of Brian's passing.

Life can be weird I guess.  When I woke up this morning, I put my Rozelle Strong shirt on for the second day in a row.  Brian has been on my mind for some reason, and every time I think of him there is a sadness that comes.  My good friend sent me a text message a few hours later to tell me the SF gate had written an article about his passing a few days ago.

For those of you who don't know Brian, you can read it here and get a fraction of the man he was.

This year I had a chance to talk with Brian at length at the end of cycle for survival in San Francisco.  It was most certainly not an easy conversation but an honest one.  We talked about the difficulties of his treatments.  His fight for life, both physically and emotionally.  We talked about what I said that day to all the participants about Kelly and his difficulties with knowing someday soon, one of his loved ones would be up there doing the same on his behalf.

I told him that as much as that sucks and as little as i can understand the fear and anxiety associated with that, that there is a pride that he can take it in.  To know you've been a good enough man that you will be remembered and looked upon for inspiration.  That those memories of you will stay alive in those who are still fighting and that they will make a change in the world for the better.  That is something great, something impacting that not many get remembered for.

I'm having a hard time writing today so I will keep it brief, I will miss seeing you next year at cycle Brian, but I'm honored you took the time to talk to me, to pass upon a memory of you and your inspiration, and will forever remember the fight you gave, not just for yourself but for so many others.  It takes true strength to chose to fight for others when you know your own battle is most likely loss.

We will continue to ride in your honor, and I will continue to wear this shirt with pride.