On November 20, 2001 around 10:30pm, I received a phone call that changed my life. It was my mother calling from Texas. Both of my brothers had just been in a car accident. Anthony, 14, was being life-flighted to Hermann Hospital in Houston, Texas. And Sammy, 7, was being taken by ambulance to UTMB Galveston. My mother was on the way to UTMB to get my youngest brother, Sammy, who had been sitting in the back seat of the Ford Escort Sport and wearing his seat belt. He was treated and released.

             On the way to the hospital where Anthony was, Sammy told my mom that a van had come out of the shadows and slammed into the side of the car. The hood came flying off slicing Anthony's neck almost completely off. Sammy said that he got out of the car and tried to pull our 6' 5" brother out of the car. But he could not move him. He was screaming for help. The passenger of the Ford Escort Sport was knocked out and the people in the van runaway.

            Although the accident happened only two blocks from home, my mother still had no idea what had happened until a lady that Sammy had asked to call my mom called her to tell her what had happened. My mother got to the end of the road in time to see Anthony going onto life flight. By the time my family had reached the hospital were Anthony was, he had been in surgery to repair his airway. And was now on life support in the ICU.

             At this time I was nine months pregnant with my second son. My brothers were both really excited about the new baby and could not wait for a new nephew to spoil. As soon as my mom told me about my brothers I automatically felt Anthony with me. He was with me as I sat on the couch stunned. The whole time of having contractions. I knew the baby was coming but I did not want say anything to anybody.

             I stayed up all night waiting for news about Anthony. Although I already knew. I kept telling him to get back in his body. This is not a funny joke. I went to my weekly doctors appointment on the 21st. And due to the stress she sent me to the hospital to have my water broken. I gave birth to Christian Anthony 48 minutes after my brother was pronounced dead.

             My husband and I flew from Michigan to Texas with our sons. I had no idea what to expect. Then when I saw my baby brother lying in that casket, I felt hopeless. He did not look like my brother. Over 300 people showed up at his funeral.

             Everytime the phone rings, I hope it is Anthony. My mom keeps telling me that Death can not separate us. It hurts me to think my brother had everything going for him and now he is dead. But Sammy said it best -- Anthony is happy in heaven -- he has got Babe Ruth and Chris Farley with him!!