Red Sox Nation lost a true fan earlier this month.
I lost something greater—my first cousin.
Jeremy Steven Devault died April 3, one day before his beloved Boston Red Sox opened the 2010 baseball season against The Damn Yankees.
Only 36, Jeremy was the victim of a sudden and massive heart attack.
Those who knew Big Jer remain in shock.
However, I couldn't help but smile this morning when my Aunt B shared some photos that she took last weekend at Jeremy's final resting place—Prospect Cemetery in his hometown of Hollow Rock, Tenn.
One of his dear friends has adorned the grave with a small Boston Red Sox flag. He would have loved it.
I also think he would have loved the outpouring of love from the 200+ friends who turned out for his funeral.
Baseball Hall of Famer and philosopher Yogi Berra once said "you can observe a lot by watching."
Well, I had the good fortune to observe Jeremy's life in three phases: as a child, as a young adult, and as "the man about town" who influenced everyone around him.
To be continued.
