I Miss My Brother

Today is my brother's memorial service.  I guess now it will finally sink in that he's gone.  Oh, how I wish it weren't true. . .

I have countless memories, but here is what I wrote to share for his memorial service:

I was seven years younger than my brother, but he'd let me hang out with him and he never acted like I was a nuisance. When I was a little girl, we'd often ride our bikes, play darts, and talk about superheroes and Star Wars. As adults, we still enjoyed talking about superheroes and Star Wars.

He was courageous. I remember once knocking on his door late at night because I heard a noise in the backyard and our parents were out. He bravely stepped out into the night to investigate and protect me from harm.

One year, when he was still in high school, he spent his own money to buy me a baby doll with a complete layette for Christmas. Not many teenagers would have bought such a perfect gift for a little girl. He was thoughtful and generous in that way.

There are too many wonderful memories to share, but know that my brother was a very kind-hearted person who loved and cared for his family. He loved the holidays. He had a great sense of humor and a fantastic dimpled smile.

I am so glad that he shared four happy years together with Pam. When he was hurting, she brought the joy back to his heart. I remember advising him not to risk getting remarried, but he said, "She's worth it." And he was right.

He was the best brother that any girl could have ever hoped for and I was so fortunate that I had him in my life for 35 years. He may be gone, but he will forever be in my heart and he will always be my brother. Always.