June 25th, 2005 marked the day that we all lost my loving brother, Alex Chekoudjian. A car accident claimed his life that summer at the young age of 24. At the time of his death he was at a wonderful point in life and becoming a great business man for our father's real-estate company. He was very happy. A sense of sadness and loss has been with me and my family since that tragic day; but with the sadness also came personal growth for us all as well as gratitude to Alex for being who he was.I know he is watching over us every second of each day, and coming even closer for comfort when we are sad.
It is because of Alex and how he lived his life as my older brother that gives us all strength and confidence. Alex never hid behind superficiality or worried about what people would think of him, he was just himself and could never be anything else. He was always laughing the loudest without any care of who heard him. He was very handsome. He loved life and had more energy than anyone; he was quite hyper, and even though this could annoy me at times I still loved him for it. He had so much to say to anyone who crossed his path. He had many friends all whom he loved dearly. Alex embraced life and loved to meet new people, especially those whose backgrounds were different than his. He did not judge others if they were poorer than him or were of a different race than he was, these were the people he most often embraced and wanted to learn more about. Alex was charismatic, honest, loud, friendly, musical, affectionate, original, and loving. He loved being in a big family and became a leader for all of his siblings. He also loved his dog Mickey very much and took him everywhere with him. He had a natural talent for music and played the drums, guitar, and sang, he was a great musician. Alex loved and appreciated his family so much and showed us this on a daily basis. He will always be remembered by all that knew him. He was my big brother and I will continue to look up to him as long as I live, as well as when I see him again. WE ALL LOVE YOU AND MISS YOU AL

(PLEASE LOOK AT THE PICTURES BELOW)

Do not stand at my grave and weep,
I am not there, I do not sleep.

I am a thousand winds that blow.
I am the diamond glint on snow.
I am the sunlight on ripened grain.
I am the gentle autumn rain.

When you wake in the morning hush,
I am the swift, uplifting rush
Of quiet birds in circling flight.
I am the soft starlight at night.

Do not stand at my grave and weep.
I am not there, I do not sleep.
(Do not stand at my grave and cry.
I am not there, I did not die!