A Tale of Two Brothers

I can never let this day pass without acknowledging this very two very important people in my life. This event forever reshaped my family. I am posting it again ((for the third time, I think).

So much pain and suffering all around. The recent Oklahoma tornado victims so prevalent in our minds still; personal losses having nothing to do with natural disasters; and broken homes. The Manchester incident is the most present, mind-boggling, senseless act of violence that has left the world reeling and wondering.

Life, in all it’s pain and glory, happening all around.

For some people it’s total devastation; for others incredible joy. Lives forever altered, shattered and broken; or put back together because wondrous miracles.

This post, this week, seems fitting:

May 24, 1980 was one such day for my family. My youngest brother turned eight on May 23, 1980. My oldest brother and his newly acquired wife along with me and my husband of two months, all gathered at my parents’ home to celebrate my little brother Daryl, who was an unexpected miracle himself. After dinner, cake and presents, my eighteen year old brother left to go hang with some friends. I am forever thankful for that time we all had together that evening, because we had no idea he would never return home.

The early morning phone call on May 24th rocked my world when my dad called to tell us my eighteen year old little brother Stevie, had died in a car accident.

What followed was a year of intense pain; the grief and sorrow so tangible. I never knew grief could be so physical.
I remember the shock and denial, intermittently laced with a fragile hope that it was all a horrible mistake.

How could my brother be gone?

How can life be so normal and change so drastically in a moment so brief it is but a wisp of time?

Every year for the past thirty-three years, (37 now) within minutes of each other, we celebrate the birth of my youngest brother- a talented, funny, loving friend, husband, father, and so much more, while silently missing my other little brother who left this world far too early, by human standards anyway.

Happy Birthday, little brother!

I love you both.

I will miss you always.

Those three statements blending together; one no greater or less than the other.

All true.

And forever interwoven.