David Wayne Burchett Jr.

For the last few days, I've been thinking about the life my cousin David Burchett lived.

David and I started our journey together. We were the firstborns to very young mothers-essentially children raising children. Because of that, we were more like siblings than cousins. We lived those early years side-by-side until our families grew, and life naturally moved us into our own separate circles.

But looking back, I realize that David's path was unique. When his brother Bobby was born with severe handicaps David's childhood effectively stopped. While other kids were playing, David stepped up. He began a life of service that would define him forever. He cared for Bobby while his mom worked to support them. Later, when his mother fought her battle with cancer, David was there, caring for her until she lost that fight.

He then became Bobby's sole caregiver. For decades, that was his world. He gave his time, his energy, and his freedom to ensure his brother was safe and loved until Bobby passed away just over a year ago.

Despite the weight of those responsibilities, David did find room in his heart for love. He fell in love, and in doing so, he gained a new title: Stepdad, and eventually, Grandfather. He loved those children and those grandbabies as his own. Even after Bobby passed, David didn't stop serving; he continued that caregiving role with his girlfriend and her family. It was, quite simply, the only life he had ever known.

I know David didn't have an easy life. I sometimes wish he could have had more time for himself, or a lighter load to carry. We all have to play the cards life deals us, and David played his with dignity. No matter how hard it got, I always remember a smile on his face. I truly believe he was happy.

I hope he knows how much he was loved and how much we respected his sacrifice.

Go rest now, Cousin. You've earned it. It's your time.

Those left behind to cherish his memory are his aunt, Kathy Doss, uncle Terry Burchett, cousins, Joy (John) Warner, Missy (James) Arbogast, Ricky Anderson, Jr., and Charity (Jimmy) Wilson, significant other, Melissa Tomlinson, and her children Brittney Kirk and Ben Kirk, and Melissa's grandchildren.

Those who have preceded him in death are his parents, David Burchett, Sr. and Margaret Burchett, and brother, Bobby Lee Burchett.

Arrangements entrusted to Spring Hill Funeral Home and Cemetery, 5110 Gallatin Pike, Nashville, TN 37216, 615-865-1101, https://www.springhillfh.com