Lynn Bradach, mother: Travis was killed on July 2. When I got the news, it was a beautiful day, a beautiful July day.
I come from a huge family. Nine brothers and sisters, 24 nieces and nephews. And as news of Travis' death spread, everyone began to gather in my backyard. There were 40 people almost immediately, then 50 or 60. Then we moved to my brother's because he has more space. We always gathered as a family, but not on the Fourth. That was a day we did our own thing. But now we'll gather on July Fourth until we die. Everybody knows it's the day to remember Travis. It's the only day I celebrate with everybody. Other days -- like his birthday and the day he was killed -- are more private.
That first July Fourth was full of sorrow, for all of us. But we were surrounded by each other and that made it bearable. I could not have endured this without family. The gathering is more joyful now, more of a party without the sorrow. I can enjoy it, because I get to see people enjoy themselves, and I know Travis would love it. I feel like he's very much part of the party. He could be here, in the crowd somewhere or with us watching Nicklas -- his brother, my other son -- sing. He was singing "Hey Jude." Before he started the song, he said, "Hey Mama. This one's for you." I always loved that song, and I didn't know he knew.
Travis knew the No. 1 thing in life was family. Nick, Travis and I had this thing with each other. We could say we didn't like each other, but we would always love each other. Even in our toughest times, we loved each other. That's what family is.