BLOOM (TAMPA) – In December 2023, the Dawson family from Tampa embarked on a mission to honor their late son, Brandyn Dawson, a firefighter who passed away 11 years ago. Inspired by a magazine article, they sent a message in a bottle containing Brandyn’s ashes and a heartfelt note into the ocean, hoping that one day someone would find it and carry out their wishes.
Nine months later, their hope turned into reality when a fisherman in Belize discovered the bottle 1,843 miles away and reached out to the family.
Brandyn’s mom Leigh Dawson joined Gayle Guyardo the host of the global health and wellness show Bloom to share how the families Message in a Bottle mission is helping she and her family heal.
A Tribute Across the Waves
The Dawsons’ idea was simple yet profound: to spread Brandyn’s memory across the globe through the waters he loved. Each bottle contained a letter, a small bag of ashes, and an email address for the recipient to contact them.
On December 28, 2023, the family released one such bottle into the sea between St. Lucia and Aruba. On September 13, 2024, a fisherman in Belize found it. Moved by the note inside, he contacted the Dawsons and followed through on their request to scatter Brandyn’s ashes in the ocean.
The fisherman shared videos and photos of the ceremony, creating a powerful moment of connection that transcended distance and cultures.
“It was incredibly moving,” said Brandyn’s mother, Leigh Dawson. “A complete stranger honored our son’s memory, and now his story has touched even more lives.”
A Legacy of Love and Connection
The message in a bottle is one of many ways the Dawsons have celebrated Brandyn’s life over the years. Each December, they host a gathering on his “angel day,” where family and friends share memories, play poker tournaments in his honor, and toast to his legacy.
“We call it DawsonStrong,” Leigh explained. “It’s a way to keep his spirit alive and remind us of his incredible impact on everyone he knew.”
Their family trips also reflect this tribute. Wherever they travel, they bring a small portion of Brandyn’s ashes, scattering them in meaningful places worldwide—from serene beaches to majestic mountain tops.
“It feels like he’s with us, experiencing these moments,” Leigh said.
A Story That Continues to Touch Lives
When Leigh shared the fisherman’s discovery on social media, the response was overwhelming. Hundreds of friends, family members, and strangers offered support, sharing how Brandyn’s story resonated with them.
“It’s incredible to see how his life still inspires others,” Leigh shared. “These moments help us find peace amid the grief.”
As the family waits to hear of other bottles drifting in distant waters, they hold onto the hope that Brandyn’s story will continue to touch lives.
“It’s our way of sharing his legacy with the world,” Leigh said. “Even though he’s gone, his spirit is still bringing people together.”
A Journey of Healing and Remembrance
For the Dawsons, every bottle represents not just their son’s memory but also the power of human connection.
Through their ongoing tributes, they’ve transformed their grief into a celebration of Brandyn’s life—a legacy that travels the world, touching hearts and creating new bonds along the way.
“It’s been 11 years, but these gestures remind us that his story isn’t over,” Leigh said. “It’s still being written, one connection at a time.”
As their son’s memory continues its journey across the oceans, the Dawsons find comfort in knowing that his story is one of love, resilience, and a connection that knows no bounds.
