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Friday, October 28, 2011

A very rough week

It has been a rough week. I hurt my ankle a week ago, and I am starting to get along OK with it.

Sunday morning I got a phone call that my brother had died. My little brother from the pictures of me holding him as a baby and feeding him his bottle had died. He was 24, and I still can't make sense of this. 

In 1987 I wished on my birthday for a little brother or sister and blew out the candles on the cake. Five months later the little boy that was destined to be my brother was born in the interior of Brazil. My aunt and uncle were missionaries there in or near San Luis I believe. They got a call he needed a family, and somewhere along the line my parents got the call that he needed a home. Several months later I got to meet him for the first time at the airport. They put him in my arms and he took one look at me and cried his little eyes out. 

We were seven years apart in age, but he meant the world to me. He was the kind of kid that was would do anything for anyone. It was obvious by the number of people at his memorial service. My parents and I were amazed at the number of people that wanted to come shake our hands and tell us what a difference he had made, or share a story of how he had touched their lives. He was a Journeyman with a company in Dallas, and the entire company came out in their work clothes and showed their support. 

We buried him yesterday next to my grandfather. I know I will see him again and that he is watching over me, but I just wish this had never happened. The support of friends and family has meant more to me than I can ever express this week as I wobble between OK and devastated and completely lost.

About two weeks ago my brother called me out of the blue to talk football. It was a short and sweet conversation that I am sure ended in "I love you"s. All of our conversations did, and we both meant it. That phone call has given me so much peace during this time. 

If you have siblings, call them and tell them you love them. Do it right now and mean it with your whole heart. I wish I could, and someday you will be so grateful for that knowledge that you loved each other.

6 comments:

  1. My condolences... I hope you can find streght within yourself to gpo thought this hard time. x

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  2. I am so sorry for your loss. I lost my 25 year old brother almost a year ago, so all that you're posting really hits home. I'm still finding myself wobbling. There is no way to replace such wonderful people, but I am so glad your brother got to be in your life and you in his.

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  3. I'm so sorry to hear of your loss. I'm calling my brother right now (despite the late hour). Take care of yourself and your family. You're in my thoughts. *hugs*

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  4. I'm so sorry for your loss. Thinking of you and your family x

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  5. You did have a tough week. I'm sorry you lost your brother. I hope your fond memories give you strength to get you through this difficult time.

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