In Remembrance of Brent Wells

Now and then, really all-too-often, life takes a dramatic unexpected turn, leaving behind a wake of sadness, regret, frustration and loss. When that sudden turn involves tragedy and loss of life, regardless of how close to home, we owe it to ourselves even moreso to take from that tragedy a sense of purposeful meaning...a message to those of us left behind to ponder their absence. It is nice to wonder what would have become of that person, and how many lives were touched in the short time they were with us. But we would be terribly remiss if we did not find some personal meaning and future directive from the lifework of that person we were fortunate enough to have known...a challenge to be applied to our own lives and relationships and never forgotten, equal to or greater than the memory of that loved one. When I consider how my friend's life was cut short, in his prime, it is my duty to carry that message with me, to bestow it upon those closest to me, and remind those that are mere acquaintances. I owe this much to Brent Wells...I owe that to any and all of you.

Another dear friend said this to me today, in hindsight from the events that have unfolded:

"I think that one of the biggest tragedies in life, that we all commit, is that we don't celebrate each other enough while we are still alive. It takes a person's death for us to acknowledge how much they mean to us, the effect or influence that they had on our lives, and how much pain we will feel just knowing that they are no longer around."

I could not have said it better myself. With that, tell someone how fond you are of them today. Do something nice for someone today, everyday, just because. Be ever grateful for the precious moments we have with each other, here on Earth, even with ourselves. The best things in life really are free...that is why we take them for granted so. Be thankful for each new day, for our health, for our families, friends, pets, homes, jobs, and for the choices we can make, even the ones we have made that have shaped us into who and what we are as unique individuals. These are things that can never be replaced, so they must be cherished and attended to, always.


Brent Joseph Wells, 34, passed away Saturday, June 26, 2010, at Our Lady of the Lake Regional Medical Center from injuries suffered in an auto accident. A prominent designer, artist and poet among the creative community of Baton Rouge and New Orleans, he will be deeply missed and mourned. Survived by his beautiful loving wife, Sondra Wells; stepsons, Alex, Nicolas and Elliot; loving mother, Stephanie Augustine; father, Ken Wells; sisters, Chelsea, Faith and Crystal; brothers, Tyler, Justin, Kyle and Travis; and large extended family and host of admiring friends, poets and artists. As a result of his generosity as a donor, he provided life to many others. In lieu of flowers, the Wells family requests donations be made to the St. Vincent de Paul Homeless Shelter of Baton Rouge in the name of Brent Joseph Wells.

A Celebration of The Life of Brent Joseph Wells

Date: Friday, 02 July 2010
Time: 4:00PM - 6:00PM
Location: Baton Rouge Gallery Center for Contemporary Art, 1442 City Park Ave. Baton Rouge, LA 70808

We are gathering to celebrate the beauty and energy of Brent Joseph Wells. Brent touched so many lives throughout his own, please come to celebrate and honor his beautiful memory.

Brent and I have know each other for ten years. In that time we've had many lengthy conversations. Brent and I once had a conversation about the inevitability our individual passing. The conclusion he came to was that when that time came, he didn't want a bunch of people he loved and who cared for him wearing black and mourning his death. Instead he said that he wanted people to be as happy as they could be, dressed in bright or light clothing, and celebrating the life he lived. He said it should be a joyous occasion.

With that in mind, if you are so inclined, please join his friends, family and the many others who's life he has touched in a celebration of his life.

Please feel free to bring any photos or other memories if you care to share them.

S. Wilkerson,
Baton Rouge, Louisiana