Neil Torbenson

“Neil was a competitive spirit from the moment he was born, and always made sure everyone knew he was the first of my twins. He was also the most affectionate person, giving me a 30-second hug every day to add “seven years to my life.” Neil was filled with a charming confidence and a great sense of humor, but what truly made him who he was was his profound wisdom, which stemmed from his unwavering faith in God. He would talk about what he “really noticed” in life, from the beauty of the trees and sunsets to the smell of lilacs and peonies, and he often told me he prayed about everything—his decisions, his friendships, and his family. He taught me more about life in his 14 years on Earth than I learned in my 52. As we remember him, I hope you’ll all choose to honor his memory by being a little more like Neil—by being present, finding joy in the simple things, and giving those you love a big, long hug, just as he did for me.”