To Bridgette from Spam / Pamela Ballmann (Friend)
I thought of you like a little brother and you are missed dearly by friends and family. I'll always remember our battles in the many video games we played and of course the time "you can make people pay to go to the bathroom in rollercoaster tycoon"! You were such a gentle soul and kind hearted! Close
Although it has been 4 years since your passing you still cross my mind and inspire me each and every day. I was recently assigned an english assignment to discuss a significant event from our past and then analyze our rhetorical devices from our story. I chose to write about your life and death and the affect it had on our Ascension family as a whole. I found it to be a very deep essay and I'm sure when I submit it to my teacher and share it with my class they will all feel as touched by your story as I am. I just wanted you to know I'm still thinking about your smile, and missing you dearly. Hope you and Scotty are watching down on all of us up from Heaven. I hear your sister is expecting again, can't wait to see the baby and hope your family is doing well. :) Miss you sweet Brandon.
Remembering you and Brandon / Yolanda Rogers Mom To Anna
It doesn't matter how long they've been gone, the hole they left in our hearts can only be filled when we hold them again in Heaven. May you know our Lord's presence and comfort in a very special way as Brandon's birthday approaches. Close
Merry Christmas to my Buddy / Brandon's Dad Read >>
Merry Christmas to my Buddy / Brandon's Dad
Merry Christmas Buddy. I miss you dearly, especially on these days you loved so much. I thought about you all day and how much fun you had on Christmas. I know you are not here with us in our world but that you are always with us in our hearts and that you spirit always touches us. I thank God for giving you to us for the 15 1/2 years and I know that you watching over us always. Please watch over your new nephew Kendrick. I know you will. All my Love until we see each other again. Love, Dad. Close
Merry Christmas, my darling, Brandon! / Brandon's Loving Mom My sweet Brandon, Merry Christmas! You know this year we have Kendrick Avery, your nephew with us, but it would have been perfect if you were here in person with us. I know you were here in spirit watching over all of us today. I know you love your nephew very much and you will be a great guardian angel to Kendrick! He needs you to watch over everything he does as he grows up. He will be 2 months old on January 2, 2008 already. You know he looks like you in some of the pictures we have taken! I wish so badly you were still here on earth with me, but without the pain you suffered. I miss you and everything about you! I miss you needing me! I miss your "I love you! and your "Bye, love you!". I miss your beautiful awesome smile, your hugs, your kisses, your laughs and your cries, and your love! I could go on and on! I know you are in a better place than I am, and I will join you when God says it is time. I look forward to spending forever with you in Heaven. Please continue to be our guardian angel and watch over all of us! I love you, I love you, I love you! I miss you, I miss you, I miss you! I will always remember the good and the bad times, and I will always feel your hugs and kisses! I love you my fweeties! You are my love, my son, my beautiful son, and my guardian angel forever! I look forward to spending "eternal life" with you! I love and miss you so very, very much! Love always and forever, Mom Close
In Loving Memory of Brandon / Janeane Bricker (Another Sad Mother )
Please except my deepest condolences for the loss of your beautiful son Brandon. In July of 06 I entered into your new world of grief when I lost my only son Brandon in an atv accident. He was only 9. God give us the strenght to face another day without our boys with us. Lots Of Love Janeane www.brandon-bricker.memory-of.comClose
Happy 11th Anniversary, Brandon!! / Brandon's Loving Mom Brandon, my love, Happy 11th Anniversary for your porcine (pig) mitral valve replacement at Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota.
It took you 6 months to heal from this surgery, but YOU DID IT! Your life doubled because of this valve replacement! I am so very proud of you as always!
I went to 8:15 a.m. mass at St. Helen Church this morning with Fr. Dave. There happened to be a funeral, but Joan Torres and Mary Ann convinced me to stay, and I could even sit with them, but I sat a row ahead of them.
I am so happy I stayed because it ended up being Marilyn Worley's mom's funeral. God sent me there to give Marilyn a hug and share the beautiful mass with Marilyn, Shelley, their families and of course, Fr. Dave.
I remember your surgery as if it were today! I hated to give you to the doctors, but I knew you needed surgery or you would have died a lot earlier than you did. God blessed us with 15-1/2 very good years with you and I thank him every day!
I love you and miss you more each and every day of my life! Life will never be the same without you! Your nephew will make his grand appearance in the next couple of weeks, so if you could watch over him, please be his guardian angel!
Happy 19th Birthday! I know you had to have the best birthday up in Heaven! There is no place better than Heaven and I wish I were there with you! We will see each other again some day in our Eternal Life!
Dad and I attended 8:15 a.m. mass with Fr. Dave this morning. Before his homily, Fr. Dave mentioned it was your birthday and asked us how old you would have been. That was a nice gesture on his part to mention your special day! Thank you, Fr. Dave!
We talked with him a few minutes after mass after he finished up with everyone else. We walked him back to the rectory and then as we were getting in our car, I saw Susan turning onto Granville in her Firebird. She stopped and we talked for about 1/2 - 3/4 hour. She went on home because she doesn't have long before she needs to get back to her bus driver as an aid.
Dad and I then went to the cemetery to visit you. He cleaned you off since all the grass and dirt covered your monument. I had bought a "Happy Birthday" sign yesterday shopping with Granny, so dad taped that underneath your picture. I also had a "Very Special Son" ribbon that he taped next to your picture. You looked very handsome all decorated for your birthday!
After we finished decorating you, dad and I went to the new Golden Nugget Restaurant to eat lunch. After we finished up, we went on home to rest and also to hang a sign outside and put up the "Happy Birthday" flags.
Around 5:15 pm dad and I went to Tumbleweed Restaurant to eat dinner. That was the last restaurant you ate at with Granny and us 4 days before you passed. That weekend before you passed was your best weekend in a long time. Granny had come up to stay a couple of days and you asked her why she had to go home. Maybe you knew you were leaving us, I don't know, but I am glad I did not know.
Your nephew is due October 26, 2007, but we are not allowed to know his name, even though you probably already know him. Ang and Larry is keeping that a surprise from us. Next Saturday, September 22, 2007 Granny and I are throwing Ang a baby shower for the family at Aunt Ginny's condo clubhouse in Fairfield.
Sweetie, I love and miss you so very much! My heart hurts so much for you! I know you are in a better place and this way I don't have to worry about you any more. I never wanted you to be in any kind of pain because it hurt me to see you like that. Now I know you are safe and happy with God in Heaven!
I look forward to the day when we will be together again in our Eternal Life in Heaven! I am working on strengthening my relationship with God and I feel great! I actually have not had any headaches for about 8 days now because I am putting all my worries in God's hands for Him to deal with them.
Happy Birthday, My Love! I love and miss you with my whole heart and soul! I will see you again before you know it!
Remembering you and Brandon / Yolanda Rogers
It hurts so very, very bad and these kids are so very, very special. Why have we been deprived of their kindness, their smiles, their sweet spirits? I keep asking myself that question. In my heart the answer is always the same and always comforting and encouraging. Our sovereign God knows the whole picture and life, which goes on eternally in His presence, on this earth is but a shadow. You are in our prayers as you painfully but fondly celebrate the remembrance of Brandon's birth and precious life with you this side of Heaven. May our Lord's and Brandon's presence be made known to you in a very, very special way. 09/08/2007 Close
HAPPY EASTER 2007, BRANDON!! / Brandon's Loving Mom I love you so very much, Brandon! I missed you today, especially because it is Easter Sunday. You always loved receiving candy from the "Easter Bunny", since you and Ang have to always have candy, or something sweet to eat.
I forget how old you were, but I took you to Moto Photo to get your pictures taken with a "live" Easter Bunny. The lady had Ang ready and she was getting you to hold the bunny, when the bunny bit your hand. You never ever wanted to get a picture taken with a bunny ever again, and we even left right after the bunny bit you.
This morning dad and I, and Susan and Pat attended 8:00 a.m. mass with Fr. Dave at St. Helen. He always has an awesome sermon and a beautiful mass. After mass and after most of the people left Church, I went to the back of the Church where the holy water fountain is, and I waited there for Fr. Dave.
The other day I put a gold "Miraculous Medal" on the necklace with your picture. I wanted Fr. Dave to bless the medal after I received my Easter hug from him. Along with my new medal, your picture also received a special blessing, even though being in Heaven you really don't need any blessings. I also had him bless a blue "St. Benedict" medium size medal and a small "St. Benedict" cross for a chain. Dad had the "St. Benedict" free standing cross blessed for Susan's car for her 50th birthday on Wednesday.
As we were walking out to the car past the rectory, I realized I bought Fr. Dave a milk chocolate Easter bunny from Esther Price, so I waited for him again. He said he was a little too skinny, so he was happy I got one for him. As he went up the steps to the rectory, I told him that Ang's birthday is the day St. Benedict's feast day is celebrated. I always tell Fr. Dave that I love him, as I always tell all my dear friends.
My stomach was bothering me since last night, so I decided to stay home and rest today while dad went to Hamilton. When he got home around 7:00 p.m. we went over the Ang and Larry's, where Logan, Patience, Jasmine and Carly and their parents were also there, along with Jay, Claire and their baby, Hannah.
Dad's 49th birthday is tomorrow and I know he loves you with all his heart and he misses you deeply. We probably will go out to eat with Ang and Larry (she is now 3 months pregnant). If you could send dad a sign for his birthday, that would be awesome, but, if not, thats alright.
Happy Easter, my dear son, Brandon! I love and miss you more and more every day. It seems harder over the past couple of months. I think I am worried about Ang's baby. I constantly pray that he/she will be a perfectly normal healthy baby. I have put Ang and her baby into God's hands, so I really have nothing to worry about, because of my faith in God.
Again, Happy Easter my love! Watch over us! Watch over Ang and her baby and keep them safe from harms way.
Today, March 24, 2007 is your 3rd Anniversary at home with Our Heavenly Father! I love you and miss you every minute of every day, my son!
I invited all your Ascension friends to celebrate your day with us, as we have over the past 3 years. Those in attendance were: Kyle Anderson; Julie Bailey and her mom, Lee; Brittny Barney; Bethany Brun, Luke Burns, Jack Clarkson; Megan Falter and her mom, Sue; Michael Foreman, Joey Hendrickson; Stephanie Isaacs and her mom, Patty; Chris Kulhanek, Andrew Litmer and his mom, Carol; Courtney Minnix and her mom, Tina; Sarah Nelson; Philip Penrod and his mom, Patty; Brittney Phillips; Josh Saintignon and his mom, Paula and sister, Ana; Will Sayer and his mom, Barb; Heather Shumaker; Andrew Stroud and his mom, Diane and dad, Sam; and Dan Zwiesler and his mom, Sharon. Tina Nissen emailed me saying she would not be able to attend because she would be in France with her French Class. Jason Heider called while we were at the Cemetery saying he was on retreat.
Family members were: Teresa; Mindy; Steve Hardewig (he proposed to Mindy last week in St. Louis under the arch); Shannon (4-1/2 months pregnant) and Tony Evers; Amberly and Samantha; Susan Yahna; and dad and myself. Ang (9 weeks pregnant) and Larry arrived around 1:45 p.m. at LaRosa's.
Pam and Roger from RCS attended. Tom O'Neill from Ascension and Dayton Children's Hospital also attended.
We met around 11:55 a.m. for the silent minute at the time of your death at 12:01 p.m.
After the silent minute, dad read Ang's poem "It's Never Good-Bye" and I read "Why You?" All of us said "The Lord's Prayer" and "The Hail Mary".
I announced that we were going to become grandparents in October 2007 (due date 101807) and were very excited about the news.
We mentioned loving everyone and thanked everyone for being there for you. Josh sang "Amazing Grace" in your memory. Roses were put on his grave by your friends. We left for LaRosa's, Beavercreek around 12:30 p.m.
At LaRosa's I passed out the two poems to whomever wanted a copy, a picture of Bucky Lasik, you and Tony Hawk, and the list of your Congenital Heart Disease complications.
Your friends starting leaving around 2:45 p.m. and the rest of us left around 3:00 p.m. As your friends were leaving, Dan Zwiesler asked me if I would attend the Carroll High School Mother/Son dance tonight with them. I started crying, thanked him for the offer and said "thanks, but I am not able". Carol Litmer and Sharon Zwiesler also asked me as I was crying. They told me to call them if I changed my mind.
Dad, Susan and I went to Meijer to look for a glider for Susan she had seen in their ad. She purchased it and dad drove it to her house in his truck. She and I drove my car back to her house and we stayed there until 5:00 p.m. mass with Fr. Dave at St. Helen's. He has helped me so much emotionally over the past 3 years, and I pray and hope we will remain friends forever.
Attending Mass were dad, Susan and I, but none of your friends. Gail and Dan Banasiak sat behind us and to the right of them were the Saintignon family, excluding Josh.
There were a few other people from Ascension at mass and after mass we spoke to them for a few minutes. I told them that most likely Fr. Dave was sick of me, as I had seen him 3 days this week, Susan's mom's mass, Reconciliation and then today for you, my Son. I asked Fr. Dave in front of all the Ascensionites, if he was sick of me, and he said "he couldn't handle dealing with me any more". I knew he was teasing me as usual, and also, Susan picked on me all day. Fr. Dave said he had to leave, and I know he was not wanting to miss the rest of the Ohio State game.
I drove Susan home and then I headed home around 6:30 p.m. Dad was already home watching the Ohio State March Madness game, which they won. After the game, he went to Target to buy another free standing lamp for the front window in the living room.
It is now 10:26 p.m., and I am ready to hit the couch with the dogs for a little while before I go to bed.
Brandon, my love, I love you and miss you with all my heart and soul! Every minute of every day I wish you were here giving me your awesome hugs and telling me a thousand times a day that you love me!!
Please take care of Angela and her baby! Please ask God to bless her with a normal delivery and a perfectly healthy baby. I am soooooooo excited to become a grandma. You are going to be an uncle, WOW!!
Please watch over all your friends and help them with whatever they need in their life! Please ask God to send an extra blessing to Fr. Dave for all he has done for you and me!
I love and miss you, my son, Brandon!!! XXOOs
Love and hugs and kisses always from your Mom Close
My Dearest Son, Angel Brandon, I know every day is a wonderful day for you, but here on earth this is St. Valentine's Day! You are my love and I miss you more and more every day!
Since I have gotten closer to God, I know now that I am able to smile and allow myself to enjoy some happy times, knowing you are well taken care of by God and you are happy all the time! Also, just trusting in God makes the world seem a little brighter.
I still have sad days because I will forever miss you! The pain I feel from your loss will permanently remain until we are reunited again in our Eternal Life. Thank you for you during those 15-1/2 years!
Please tell Papa, Shawn, Scotty and Amanda, and everyone else, Happy St. Valentine's Day! All my (our) angels are very, very special and I miss all of you so very much!
I have sent letters to all your friends with information on your 3rd (seems like forever) anniversary celebration, March 24, 2007.
We will meet at Calvary Cemetery at 11:45 a.m. for a short prayer service. We will eat at LaRosa's in Beavercreek, and those able to attend, will attend 5:00 p.m. Mass at St. Helen's with our Fr. Dave.
Fr. Dave told me that whenever he has to visit a child at Dayton Children's Hospital, there is never a time he doesn't think about you, my love! He says hello, and expresses how glad he is that you were such a beautiful part of his life!
Hugs and kisses (muah) to my son, my Angel Brandon. I love you, Brandon with all my heart and soul! Please keep watching over all of us, family and friends!
To the rest of my Angels in Heaven, I love and miss all of you very much!! XXOOs
You took a piece of my heart with you, but it will be whole again when I am reunited with you, my angel. MUAH!
Just saying hey / Cassandra Weitz (friend)
Hey Brandon. Its super late and i was thinkin about you. I cant sleep do i thought i would write you a note. I have been thinking a lot about u and ur family this holiday. I hope that you are watching over ur parents, well i know you are. Brandon i think u have been with me a lot lately, i know u have and thankyou i appreciate the help u have given me. I can always feel ur presence, i feel this shield of stregnth. Thankyou and by the way, merry merry christmas. Mr. and Mrs. Bacher i hope that you had a great holiday. I would really like it if we could all get together sometime soon. I think we all need it! i miss everyone so much! I look forward to seeing u soon hopefully! Brandon Keep us strong, I love and miss you Close
Merry Christmas, My Angel Brandon!! / Brandon's Loving Mom My Darling Angel, Brandon,
Merry Christmas my Angel! I really miss you a lot but I realize you are an Angel of God now and that you are the best you ever were here on earth. I think about you all the time and I will forever keep you in my heart and love you always!
It is not the same here without you and it never will be again. Gracie looks at your picture on the wall and then stares into space, it's you, isn't it? You visit Gracie and all of us all the time and only Gracie sees you. I am sorry I didn't realize that until someone told me that dogs have this special power of seeing Angels like you. She gets so quiet and still when she is on my lap staring at you. I knew you were always here watching over us!
Watch over Angela especially now that she doesn't live at home. Watch over Larry, Angela and Logan and keep them safe. All I want is for Ang to be happy and I hope this engagement and marriage in 2008 (most likely) makes her the happiest woman on this earth! Grandma keeps telling me that you sent Logan to us. Thanks, buddy!!!
Watch over all of us this Christmas Day, Jesus' birthday! We will always miss you and always love you forever and ever. Until we meet again in our Eternal life, I will dream about you and I being together. I am a lot happier now that I have gotten closer to God and know now that I WILL be united with you again in Heaven.
Merry Christmas, my Darling Angel, Brandon!
I look forward to the day when I see you again!! Love you with all my heart and miss you more and more everyday!
Merry Christmas Buddy / Steve (Brandon's Dad )Read >>
Merry Christmas Buddy / Steve (Brandon's Dad )
I just wanted to wish my Buddy a Merry Christmas. We all miss you so much but we know that you are doing well. Enjoy the day with our Savior on His Birthday! All my Love Forever, Dad Close
Thinking of you / Kelley Cridge (friend)
Dear Bacher's, I wanted to write to let you know that I think about you all and pray for you every day. Your family has always been so close to my heart and always will be. I have so many wonderful memories of spending time with all of you and Brandon. They are too many to name, but I think about all of the great times often, like eating dinners with you, playing sports with Ang, having Steve as our coach and Angela always wanting to stop at UDF after practice, simply living on the same neighborhood block, just hanging out at your house and enjoying the company of the whole family. I love you guys so much and just wanted you to know that. Please know that my family and I are always here for you at anytime. I want to share with you one of my favorite Bible verses that is always comforting to me in my times of need: "Come to me all of you who are tired and have heavy loads, and I will give you rest." - Matthew 11:28. I love this verse and it helps me to remember God's neverending love, presence, and comfort in our lives. It is an amazing feeling that He is with us always, especially when we need him the most to ease the burden we are carrying. I love you all and miss you! I hope to see you very soon! Love, Kelley Close
Happy 18th Birthday Brandon!!! / Brandon's Loving Mom 18 years ago I gave birth to you at Kettering Hospital at 6:10 p.m. Your heart rate had decreased as I was trying to deliver you so they moved me from a birthing room to the delivery room. I pushed and the nurses helped me push and my beautiful baby boy was born.
Two days later the doctors came in and told us that you had a heart murmur and that the hole(s) that normally close up did not. They wanted us to take you to a cardiologist. At 12 days old we took you to see Dr. Dwight Tuuri at Children's Hospital Medical Center where an echocardiogram was done (I cried the whole time thinking you were going to die right there and then).
BRANDON’S HEART CONDITIONS – BIRTH TO 2004
- Congenital Heart Disease - Repaired Atrial Septal Defect (ASD) - Repaired Ventricular Septal Defect (VSD) - Repaired Patent Ductus Arteriosus - Pulmonary Stenosis was bypassed with a shunt on March 11, 1991 - Corrected Transposition of the Great Vessels* - Systemic Ventricular Dysfunction - Compensated Congestive Heart Failure - Bundle Branch Block - Mitral Valve was replaced with a Porcine Mitral Valve at Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota on October 8, 1996.
*Corrected Transposition of the Great Vessels is a condition in which the lower part of the heart the ventricles, are developmentally reversed. That is, the left ventricle is connected to the right atrium and visa versa, but the vessels connect to the correct sides. Along with this, the valves are also switched. The Mitral valve a two leaf valve, which is normally on the left side and helps pump blood into the body is now on the right side. In its place on the left is the tri-cuspid valve, a three leaf valve. The tri-cuspid is not capable of handling the pressure of the blood flow and allows blood back into the atrium. This is why this valve was replaced.
He passed away on Wednesday, March 24, 2004 from Pulmonary Edema, fluid retained in the lungs.
I couldn't have asked for a happier, beautiful son in the whole wide world. I loved you from the moment I saw you just I did when I saw your sister for the first time. I love you both with all my heart and soul. Now you are in Heaven at age 18 and Angela is in college at age 21 and in love!!
Have a very Happy 18th Birthday, Honey!! I love you to Heaven and back!!! The whole family is gathering tonight to celebrate your birthday for you and I know you will be watching over us! Love you and miss you very much!! Love, Mom Close
Remembering you and Brandon / Yolanda Rogers Read >>
Remembering you and Brandon / Yolanda Rogers
I lift you up in prayer tonight on the eve of the anniversary of Brandon's birth. May our Lord's precious promises bless, lift and encourage your hearts as we look to Heaven where by His grace and mercy we will be with our Love and our loves forever!
Sending Love to Brandon and his Family / Toni Weitz (Friend)Read >>
Sending Love to Brandon and his Family / Toni Weitz (Friend)
You have all been such an inspiration to the rest of us. What a strong bond love is... It is so beautiful to read your words and share in your love for Brandon. He is a very special angel. I will never forget him or his courage in living each day. His smile and kindness were contagious and wonderful to be around. Watching him grow up with my children, I was aware of how much he just wanted to be a kid! He really did acheive so much in his 15+ years. I know Cassandra admired him, but most importantly - she and the other kids just saw him as Brandon. In their eyes, he was a kid just like they were. She knew him as a classmate and a friend. He was a great kid. We are proud to know him. Brandon has helped me personally to remember how precious life really is. We all have bad days, and Brandon has many times helped me get through mine. I only need to remember how hard he fought to be in school and do the every day things that many of us take for granted. He was a joy to know. Irene, Steve, and Angela - You are blessed to have him, as he is blessed to have you. Thank you for sharing this website with us. It is nice to remember Brandon and his life on earth. It is a treasure to see your love. I know God is taking good care of Brandon. After all, God took great care of Brandon on earth by giving him to you. You are both such wonderful, loving parents. Love to you Brandon. Thank you for sharing your life with us. We miss you dearly. Please give my two baby boys a high five and let them know that a family's love goes beyond the boundaries of earth. Love always. Close
Just a Hello / Cassandra Weitz (friend)
Mr. and Mrs. Bacher, I often look at this site that you have made for Brandon (and it is very nice!!) however i have never been able to write anything. I dont really know what to say. Brandon is and was such a special person to all of us. Your son is an inspiration to everyone who ever even knew of him none the less ever spoke to him! I can not explain how sorry I am but more than that how happy I am for Brandon. He beat us there which is a good thing for him. It is hard for all of us who miss him so dearly and i am sure he misses us too but he is still with us and more so he is with Jesus. I hope that if there is ever anything that you need you will call me. We all need to get together again and share some more amazing memories! i miss you all and love you! Brandon, you are always in my heart and my mind... I love you!
Tributes and Condolences
My sweet Brandon, Merry Christmas! You know this year we have Kendrick Avery, your nephew with us, but it would have been perfect if you were here in person with us. I know you were here in spirit watching over all of us today. 
I have sent letters to all your friends with information on your 3rd (seems like forever) anniversary celebration, March 24, 2007. 
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