Brian Land, my husband and the founder of Land Enterprises Roofing, passed away on March 17, 2019. Since then, I have been in awe of all the people who continually pray for me and our boys, call me, send cards, and send gifts. We have appreciated the meals, kind deeds, and invitations to get together.

As you might expect, my grief comes in waves. One moment I’m fine and the next I’m a mess. Brian was my best friend and husband for almost 21 years. We started dating when I was 19 which means we were together for 28 years. Brian started Land Enterprises Roofing back in 1986. In 2009 I joined him in the business, so we worked together for a decade.

Sometimes I feel like I can’t breathe because the pain of my grief is so great. How is this wonderful person with his cowboy hat and big grin gone? Brian was here and now he’s gone forever.

One of the things that Brian did well was to prepare. That allowed us to build the business over the years until it was the incredible team of people we have today. Because of his preparation, we are able to continue Brian’s legacy of helping others.

I was overcome with emotion recently when I found out that Brian is being honored by the OKC Young Professionals with the 2019 Legacy Award. It’s given to an individual that impacted the lives of young professionals with every aspect of their life.

The organization wrote about Brian, “Brian Land was an excellent role model for young professionals and touched the hearts of so many of our members.”

Obviously, Brian was special to me and our family. But to hear about the impact he had on others has been a joy and comfort to us. He loved people and enjoyed helping out whenever there was an opportunity to do so.

Three weeks after Brian passed away, I returned to work. I will continue to run Land Enterprises Roofing with the help and support of our amazing team. The company was Brian’s dream, then it became our dream, and now it’s his legacy.

It gives me some peace to be at our office where I once worked next to Brian each day. Now the entire team and I will do our best to continue the legacy he started. I know he would be pleased.