“Brooks Argento fully lived, authentically and completely present,” said Joy Krosse, close friend of the Argento family.
This idea seemed to be repeated over and over again at the memorial service held for Brooks Argento this past Saturday. It was a common theme as friends and family got up to speak about Argento and the fond memories they have of him.
After a two-year battle with cancer, Brooks Argento passed away on September 18, 2018. His service was held on Saturday, September 22 and it is evident that Argento touched many lives with his vibrant personality.
As a high school student, Argento used his unique gifts to brighten students’ day with “Hall Talks” on the televised announcements. On the football field, he displayed his ability to challenge limits and bring a team together. In everyday life, he set a positive example as he treated each person with respect and kindness.
In addition to all of that, as shown by many of the stories shared on Saturday, he turned every moment into one of fun and enjoyment.
An especially memorable speech, shared by Joy Krosse, dealt with a newly invented concept called “Brooks Breaks.”
The speech began by describing a time that Argento attended an event with Krosse’s family. The kids were sitting around a campfire sharing their personal successes with various video games when Brooks added his own comment.
“Brooks leaned in and slowly said, “When I was your age I won a ton of times at this game called playing outside,”’ said Krosse.
When the family returned home, this line stuck with them and they decided to turn it into something positive to implement into daily life.
“We decided to honor him [Brooks] by creating what we call our Brooks Break. We set aside a sacred space where no devices or screens are allowed,” said Krosse.
This idea is one that not only memorializes Argento and what he stood for as a person, but has a positive impact on our lives today.
“We spend so much time on our various screens and not enough time being fully present,” said Krosse.
Therefore, the Krosse family would like to encourage others to include “Brooks Breaks” in daily living.
“Whether you knew him or not, we encourage you to experience your own Brooks Break,” said Krosse. “Be fully alive, be completely present.”
Allow Brooks Argento’s memory to influence the way that you live your life. Let your “Brooks Break” be a sacred space for life, just real life, no screens, no devices.
“Let’s win at a game called playing outside, let’s win at a game called being fully present,” said Krosse. “Let’s win at a game called family.”