One morning I was with my men's group at Grouchy's Deli when a young woman in a Wesleyan uniform - how shall I say it - exploded into the restaurant. Her spirit and energy was attention grabbing and infectious. I was mesmerized as she moved from person to person. Her face, and everyone else's, lit up with every conversation. I had never seen so much positive energy in a young person. It was clear that she knew and liked everyone there, and everyone there knew and liked her. In that short time she struck me as perhaps the most remarkable young person I ever encountered.
I had never met Kaitlin. When I pointed her out, and shared these sentiments with my men's group, I learned who she was. Of course. How could it be anyone but Brian Mullen's daughter.
When I was young, I once asked my mom what she thought Heaven was like. She said there was no way to know, but shared a take on life after death I will never forget. She said as a parent, you try to instill your values, your beliefs, and a little bit of who you are in your children. Then, in them, you live on after you are gone.
I am grateful I had the opportunity to tell Brian this story. I can't imagine something bringing more joy to a father, than seeing himself so beautifully reflected in his child's spirit.