Austin Charles Westenberg

My sweet Austin, there are not enough words, or length of paper, to begin to tell the world about you, and how much unconditional, deep love you had for your family. You’re so incredibly smart, and had such passion for what you loved. You always always made sure you told me goodnight & to be safe, and that you love me. You made sure your little sister, your Alexandra, knew how important she was to you and how much you loved her and protected her. You made sure to tell her how proud you are of her, and didn’t forget to be silly with her, and be mad at the same person with her, just to be supportive lol.  You made sure always, that both your dads, Ruslan & Tom, knew how much you loved them and looked up to themFor their own strengths, and were grateful for both of them for teaching you so many incredible things, and for always coming together for our family. Your love and respect for animals and nature, always made me want to be outside more, your Tennessee mountains that you loved so dearly, Owls, willow trees,  the fresh snow falling and covering the trees, all the ice sickles along the mountain sides where water would normally fall, having a fire and cooking amazing food, those are just a few of the things you loved the most. The smell of oil & metal when you were working on your parts & knives, your love & respect for firearms, your knowledge of metals, of history, Of science. You loved our home being filled with plants, telling Sissy & I how much you loved them and how beautiful  and healthy they look. You loved our home, it was your favorite place to be, with all of us at home, candles burning, food on the stove or on the grill, “take your time Momma, make it with love”. Every detail, every single second of you, will live in us Austin. Your infectious beautiful smile when you smiled from the inside out, was so contagious, whoever was near you could feel it and had no choice but to smile with you. The soft, strong feeling of your hugs, when you placed your big bear arms around me, around Sissy, we felt so loved, so safe, it was home. You were enough.  We will take you everywhere, You will be part of every single day. <3

Austin is survived by his Momma & Stepdad, Tom & Leslie Brady, his sister Alexandra, and father Ruslan. Also, There are so many loving & wonderful people that have touched Austin’s life in some way or another, and he touched their life equally. His Uncle Chuck ( Austin’s middle name, Charles, is named after his Uncle Chuck), whom he looked up to and respected so very much, & Aunt Carole. Aunt Stacey ( your cheesecake partner in crime :) & Uncle Will, all of his cousins : Shane, Daniel, Leah, Olivia, Andrew, Makayla, Elijah & Delilah. To our closest friends who are our family, &  To our Blue family, we thank you all from the depth of our hearts for showing so much love, and support in every way. Austin would be so eternally thankful for keeping his family wrapped in your loving arms and hearts. And like Austin would always say; “If you want peace, prepare for war.” ( Si Vis Pacem Para Bellum )