My brother died last night around 10:00 pm, to say that I will miss him is to grossly underestimate the loss. He was "the one" for me, that person in your life that you always listen to, you always look forward to seeing, you always have fun with..that one person that always makes things better, that always is there for you...but now he's not. That's not to say that there aren't other people in your life that can make things better...but he was the one that had ALWAYS been there for me. From the time I could talk, he would referee between my sister and I, never taking sides, he loved us both. When our grandmother died...it was my first experience with the death of somebody close, he was there for me. When I was going through my divorce, he was there for me. When our parents died...he was there for me.
He was 11 years older than me so we had a very special relationship...he was father, brother, friend..all in one. He's the reason I know ALL the Frankie Valley songs...he used to tease me mercilessly when I was little with "Big Girls Don't Cry" until I quit crying and he had me laughing. He's the reason I can shag, and the reason I love to dance....I remember him dancing with me when I was very little..and he never stopped as I grew up, I loved to dance with him. He could sing. He used to sing in a band when he was younger.. a band that performed in clubs. He was AWESOME, very talented! I was too young to go see him in the clubs..so he would take me to the practices. He did a James Brown show...not only could he sound like James Brown...he could do that James Brown split where he jumps up in the air and lands in a split...awesome! He was always FUN and ready to do anything...
So many memories....when I was 16 he lived in Meridian, Mississippi. He came to Burlington for a visit so I went back with him for a couple of weeks.... He let me drive...through Atlanta...then through Birmingham....if there was high traffic, I was under the wheel, TERRIFIED!!! LOL... he would act like he was asleep, but I saw him peeking out from under his cap, but he didn't say a word and I got us through!!
...when his son was born I was the designated babysitter....and that was fine with me! I loved to go stay with him and his wife when they lived in Chapel Hill, NC! He always treated me like an equal...not a kid.. I babysat all three of his kids, Mark and Meredith more than Matt, and we always had fun.
... so many Christmases, birthdays, holidays...etc.... A few years ago he and his wife, my sister and her husband, and Trip and I, all went on a cruise together. It seemed like just last year..but it was 2006. I am so glad we made that trip! I wish we could have made many more! But we were all so busy...
Don't postpone people! Make time to spend time with those you love! And make those memories, because before you know it... the memories will be all you have....
I love you Calvin! I will see you on the other side. Peace, Brother...
He was 11 years older than me so we had a very special relationship...he was father, brother, friend..all in one. He's the reason I know ALL the Frankie Valley songs...he used to tease me mercilessly when I was little with "Big Girls Don't Cry" until I quit crying and he had me laughing. He's the reason I can shag, and the reason I love to dance....I remember him dancing with me when I was very little..and he never stopped as I grew up, I loved to dance with him. He could sing. He used to sing in a band when he was younger.. a band that performed in clubs. He was AWESOME, very talented! I was too young to go see him in the clubs..so he would take me to the practices. He did a James Brown show...not only could he sound like James Brown...he could do that James Brown split where he jumps up in the air and lands in a split...awesome! He was always FUN and ready to do anything...
So many memories....when I was 16 he lived in Meridian, Mississippi. He came to Burlington for a visit so I went back with him for a couple of weeks.... He let me drive...through Atlanta...then through Birmingham....if there was high traffic, I was under the wheel, TERRIFIED!!! LOL... he would act like he was asleep, but I saw him peeking out from under his cap, but he didn't say a word and I got us through!!
...when his son was born I was the designated babysitter....and that was fine with me! I loved to go stay with him and his wife when they lived in Chapel Hill, NC! He always treated me like an equal...not a kid.. I babysat all three of his kids, Mark and Meredith more than Matt, and we always had fun.
... so many Christmases, birthdays, holidays...etc.... A few years ago he and his wife, my sister and her husband, and Trip and I, all went on a cruise together. It seemed like just last year..but it was 2006. I am so glad we made that trip! I wish we could have made many more! But we were all so busy...
Don't postpone people! Make time to spend time with those you love! And make those memories, because before you know it... the memories will be all you have....
I love you Calvin! I will see you on the other side. Peace, Brother...
3 comments:
Saying that I am so sorry just doesn't cut it. But we all are so very sorry. My heart just breaks reading this tribute to your wonderful brother. He knew he was "your person" and loved that role. I believe he is celebrating in heaven right now and meeting up with folks he hasn't seen in ages. How thrilling that must be!
Pat, we are thinking about you and your family! I am so sorry to hear of Cal's passing. I know what a vital part of your family he was... a beloved husband, father, grandpa, uncle, brother, and more. Sending prayers your way!
Pat, I've had you and your family on my heart all day today. I know what you are going through and the pain you are feeling. Your tribute is very touching and shows your close relationship. I will continue to pray for you and yours and hope the sun comes out for you real soon. Love, Judi Shubert
Post a Comment