LIVE LIFE
By: Brian Hoeflinger, MD
February 1, 2026 | #74
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Disclaimer: Opinions are my own. Not medical advice.
Our son Brian died this exact day 13 years ago, February 1st at 11:50 pm, when his car struck a tree head-on.
His life ended in that moment.
He didn’t anticipate his death, especially at the age of 18. And neither did we.
Our lives drastically changed from that moment on. And as you read this, I hope that my son Brian will change your life just a little bit for the better. So please read on.
Obviously, tragedy only truly affects you when it’s your personal pain and loss. We all read about other people’s tragedies, but we can’t exactly feel their pain.
Me included.
But what I think everybody can and should take from another person’s loss is the uncertainty of life. No matter who you are or what you do, nobody knows when their last moment on this earth will be. It’s cliché, but it’s also very true.
And from this uncertainty should come a deeper appreciation for your own life.
By “appreciation,” I mean that each of us still living should try to make every day count for something a little bit more, whether for yourself or for someone else.
Enjoy some part of each day instead of just “making it through another day.”
Because tragedy can, and will, strike unexpectedly. And for someone, somewhere, that chance to enjoy another day will be gone.
Life is too short to pass up the opportunity to make each day, each week, each year count for something more than just working and doing daily chores.
Make some part of your life special, just for you, your family, or someone who could use encouragement and attention.
Visit your mom and dad before it’s too late.
Reconnect with an old friend.
Make amends with someone you need to.
Strive toward a new goal, like running a 5K or finally planning that family trip you’ve been putting off.
Or simply take a day off work to relax and enjoy yourself.
Do it now. Don’t wait another day.
Because for our son Brian, tomorrow was too late. The morning of February 2nd never came for him.
Only by hearing or reading about another person’s tragedy, like our son Brian’s, do we understand that life can end for any of us, on any day, at any moment.
I’m positive that Brian did not wake up that Friday morning, 13 years ago, even considering that it would be his last day, or that Saturday morning would never come.
Do any of us really consider that possibility on a day-to-day basis?
So when you hear or read about another person’s tragedy, reflect on your own life, and make sure to enjoy it.
Slow down. Let go of unnecessary stress. Remove what makes life unpleasant or even miserable. Make time for the things you enjoy before that chance is gone.
Lastly, and especially for those of you who have read this entire post, thank you.
This is a topic we seldom think about or talk about, but it’s a topic rooted deeply in reality.
It’s not an “if.” It’s a “when.”
So I want to challenge each and every one of you to commit to one thing today that will make your life more meaningful and/or enjoyable.
Do it in honor of my son Brian.
It could be something big, like finally committing to a vacation you’ve been dreaming of. Or something simple, like scheduling an impromptu nail appointment.
It could be family-oriented, visiting your sister or mom you haven’t seen in a while, or taking the afternoon off to see a movie with your kids. Or even calling a friend you haven't spoken in a long time.
Or it could be just for you, signing up for that class you’ve wanted to take but keep putting off for a “more convenient time.”
What I’m saying is this:
Live now. Today.
Because tomorrow may never come.
Take the day off to finish that project you’ve been wanting to finish. Take the afternoon off to go shopping. You get the picture.
Make it something fun, special, and meaningful to you.
I have taken February 2nd off every year for the past 13 years since my son Brian died.
I promised myself I would never work on this day again, for the rest of my life, as a reminder to live my life instead of always putting things off for the future.
A future I now understand may never come.
What I can count on is today. Right now. This moment.
So whatever it may be for you, just do it.
Commit to something that makes your day feel happy, meaningful, and special.
I would love it if each of you let me know what your special day or activity will be.
And please, please, share this newsletter with others so they can do the same.
Do it in honor of our son Brian. Live the day that he no longer can.
In loving memory of our son Brian. I hope that your untimely death has somehow changed someone’s life for the better. 💙
If you’d like to learn more about Brian’s life, our family’s journey, and why we’ve spent years speaking out about drunk driving, I shared his story in my book, The Night He Died.
It’s written in honor of Brian and in the hope that his story might help prevent another family from experiencing this kind of loss.
You can learn more about the book here: https://doctorhoeflinger.com/products/the-night-he-died-the-harsh-reality-of-teenage-drinking
Impactful Quote of the Week
"Even the smallest of accomplishments is greatly appreciated in the eyes of a positive person because it is another step in the right direction."
- Brian Nicholas Hoeflinger
All my best,
Brian Hoeflinger
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*Disclaimer: This newsletter and blog is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute the practice of medicine, nursing, or other professional health care services, including the giving of medical advice, and no doctor/patient relationship is formed. The use of information on this newsletter and blog or materials linked from this newsletter and blog is at the user’s own risk. The content of this newsletter and blog is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Users should not disregard or delay seeking medical advice for any medical condition they may have and should consult their healthcare professionals for any such conditions.
