thank you so very much for coming out today. i know we all are wishing this wasn’t really happening but while it is, id like to share a few golden sparkly moments of my baby brother because he made me so happy and i was so proud to be his big sis. in grade school, i wished for my mom to have a baby. i wished it real bad. like, so bad that i told my teacher that she was already pregnant. my teacher then instructed all of us 3rd graders to make cards for my non-pregnant mother. i’m sure that phone call back to mrs. randolph was sweet and giggly. when i finally got the news a few months later that my plan in fact worked, i wanted to throw my mom the best baby shower. while she was at work one day, i rummaged through our linen closet, where all the obvious treasures are, and grabbed some old washcloths and towels. took them right outside while dragging my plastic picnic table and parked that baby right at the end of my driveway. i think i made a total profit of $13, which in the 90’s could get you halfway to china but i didn’t want to go to china i wanted to buy my mom decorations for austin’s first celebration, the one where we would welcome him into our hearts. many years of celebrating austin. but not enough. i’ll always want more. the milky licker was my dads not-so-secret nickname for him. i think my dad calls the dogs that now. but it originated back in the late 90’s when austin would not. stop. breastfeeding. he loved my mom so much. i pride myself on my own breastfeeding numbers. i’m up there. charlie is 3 so if you see my tit s at any point today you do not have to throw dollars at me, it’s just that charlie wants the num num. austin & i spent a lot of time together. when i got my license, we would drive to aunt kris & uncle jj’s house. especially in the summers to swim. one day, we made a pit stop at the sweetest little church-ran thrift store. he was only about 4 years old at the time but i still made him take his shoes off, replace them with purple suede pumps and run out of the store with me. i probably should have stopped babysitting him after that but that was just the beginning of all of our very not-so-wholesome-yet-still-very-fun adventures together. my festival buddy, my dress-up doll, my everyone-else-in-the-room-is-boring-but-you,buddy, the better dancer, the funniest uncle to my beautiful babies, the third amigo alongside my other very hilarious and gifted brother, the sagittarian other half of my husband..who always understands, the most caring boyfriend to my sister dara, the angel none of us deserved, the smart, too good to be true but also very very true. i hate that i couldn’t help you. i love the blessing that is knowing you. i will carry you in my heart forever, austy.

Our deepest sympathy go out to you and your family.

Mark and Family, We are sorry to hear of the loss of your son. Wishing you peace, comfort and courage at this time of sorrow. Our deepest sympathy to you and your family. Maryann and Scott Widen

Lisa,Mark and Family. Sorry for your loss. Sending healing prayers during this difficult time.

There are no words. I am so very sorry to here this news. Prayers for peace, comfort, strength and wonderful lasting memories of Austin. 🙏😞❤️

Lisa, Mark and Family, so sorry to hear about the loss of Austin. I will keep you in my prayers.

My heart is so broken for Lisa, Mark and their family. What a handsome young mañ. I always heard that if someone passes close to Christmas that their soul goes straight to heaven. As everyone who knew him loved him, I believe it is true.

I am so sorry for your loss. Thinking of you during this tragic time. I love you all and wish I could be there?

Mark and Lisa we are so sorry to hear about Austin please know you are in our thoughts and prayers! If we can help you in any way don’t hesitate to call on us.

I can relate to your loss and there are no words and you will search for answers with no avail.i. Will be praying for all of you during Thia time

I can relate to your loss and there are no words and you will search for answers with no avail.i. Will be praying for all of you during Thia time

I can relate to your loss and there are no words and you will search for answers with no avail.i. Will be praying for all of you during Thia time

I can relate to your loss and there are no words and you will search for answers with no avail.i. Will be praying for all of you during Thia time

I can relate to your loss and there are no words and you will search for answers with no avail.i. Will be praying for all of you during Thia time

Our dear friends Mark & Lisa our hearts are broken on the loss of your son Austin. No words will help with this devastating tragedy you and your family are going through. Earl & I are sending our loving arms out to hug you and will be praying for all of you. Love & healing ❤️ vibes from across the miles. Xoxo

Mark and Lisa, please know that my family and I are lifting all of you in prayer

In memory of Austin T. Sanders, Karena Kowalewski lit a candle

In memory of Austin T. Sanders, Inez lit a candle

Mark, Lisa and family, Our Hearts are broken as well. Please know you and your family are in our hearts and prayers. Marie and Joe

Condolences to all the Sanders family. ❣️?

Please accept our deepest condolences for your family's loss.