Shana Appel
I am Brian’s Homeroom teacher at Bales Intermediate.
I wanted to say this at the funeral but I am not very good at public speaking, I am much better in front of 11 year olds.
I did not know Mr. Hitchcock, but I know his son so I feel like I know him. These words that I have to say are for you, Mr. Hitchcock, because I believe with all my heart you can hear me. I wanted to tell you what a fine young man you have raised. You need not worry about Brian, he will miss you and he will love you always and he will never forget you. Not a day will go by that he won’t think of you and what you had together. And sometimes it will be hard for him to go on without you but go on he will. Life has thrown your son a curve ball with you leaving him so early in his life but he has handled it with grace, dignity and fortitude. If I could just have one tenth of his courage, one ounce of his integrity, his strength I would be fulfilled in my life.
As I watched at the funeral I saw where your wife was getting her strength. I saw that she leaned heavily on that small eleven year old to get her through and he has yet to disappoint. He will do you proud Mr. Hitchcock, rest assured that he will do you proud and I, for one, am so privilege to have had him in my life. It was a short time but oh so special and even with the hardship of you passing I wouldn’t trade my time with your son for anything. He has been an inspiration to me during this trying time and one that I will rely on when life throws me that curve ball. You’ve done good, Mr. Hitchcock. you’ve done good. Your legacy is in good hands.
I just wanted you to know that.
Shana Appel