You're still here

Last month, Red Wings prospect Jack Adams received devastating news when he was told by his Union College hockey coach, Rick Bennett, that his brother had suddenly passed away at 27 years old. Mark 'Roo' Adams was a hockey player, devoted son, mentoring brother and loyal friend. The sense of loss for Jack and his family is still overwhelming. Jack reached out to the Red Wings and asked if he could write a tribute about his brother and share it with Red Wings fans. We were more than happy to accommodate Jack because he is a part of our family and we grieve with him. - RIP Roo.
I have always been curious about human life. Why things happen, how things work, everything. In this situation, there is no why. There's no explanation.

At 4 a.m. on September 18, my brother, my role model, my best friend, lost his life. When Coach (Rick) Bennett told me the news, I didn't believe him. I didn't. This isn't right. Since finding out, I feel like I am in a nightmare and I can't wake up.
When I got home that morning from school, I immediately drove to Roo's office, where he passed. I needed to go find him. I got to the office, opened his door and called for him, "Roo, where are you, man?" You can't do this to me. We had so much to do, so much to accomplish. My entire life has been following in your footsteps. Youth hockey, high school, USHL, college hockey, you are my everything. All the things we did, all the things we dreamed about, why is this happening? We were going to be each other's best man in our weddings. I have been questioning everything in life the past few days. Everything. I can't sleep, my mind is in a million different universes. I miss you, Roo.
I went for a walk in the rain, thinking, praying, begging for my brother to come back. And the craziest thing happened. The rain stopped, and the sun shined, right on me! So powerful and bright that I needed to cover my eyes. It was the most beautiful thing I have ever seen - it was you. You're still here, Roo. You're never going to leave.
Our lives are going to change forever, there's no denying that. But, you're always going to be 27, and you're always going to be here.
You proved that to me yesterday.
Talk soon, Roo. I know you, Aunt Minnie, and Coach (Chris) Serino are so happy together.
I love you so much.