When I first met my little brother when I was six years old, in a hospital in Rochester, he was hooked up to tubes and wires in an incubator.  I didn’t exactly know what the concept of having a sibling would be because I was so young. All I knew, I was going to be a big sister and I would have a new best friend in my life. Ayden Brackey was born on July 26, 2012 to Rachael Godtland and Seth Brackey. Ayden passed away tragically in a bicycle accident on August 11, 2023.

Some things he liked to do included: fishing, playing baseball, and anything that was ouside. Ayden loved demo derbys, Nerf guns, Hot Wheels, and video games.The last trip we took together as a family included camping, that was the last time we hung out and shared a laugh as siblings.

Ayden had a smile on his face and a mischievous look in his eye. Because of this, we always knew he was up to something. My brother was fearless. It was a valuable lesson I learned from him. To be fearless, to take so many risks in life. Ayden had friends who cared deeply for him and I want everybody to remember him, not for this tragic accident, but for a kid who smiled and made people laugh and was willing to do anything for those friends. 

An important message I would like to get across is to cherish every single moment you have with friends and family because its a tough process when they are gone. When I think of my little brother, I think it was best put into words  by my uncle, “Whatever Ayden had interest in that day he put one hundred percent into it.”

Memorial donations can be made to Albert Lea Youth Baseball and the Albert Lea Anglers.