A Reflection: Brothers by Choice
We were brothers by choice, not blood. The former connected us in a way that was equally as strong as what ran through our veins, maybe more so in some ways.
This is a reflection on a milestone missed, one of many my brother by choice should have enjoyed but was robbed of by the cancer that claimed his life in 2018.
58
If there was any justice in this word, today should have been 58.
You’d be so proud of the smart, strong, and beautiful daughter your sweet wife, who is equally all of those same things, has raised – nothing you didn’t know already.
While it’s a relief that girl seems to have taken after her mom in most respects, your reflection sneaks in a wink now and then in photos of her. It’s a bittersweet reprise.
Time doesn’t close the distance or heal, it seems, what will never be mended.
It’s been too many moons since we shared the light. Your leaving took the breath out of me, out of us all, for a good long stretch, and yet we still miss you like it was yesterday.
There isn’t any justice in it but I guess that’s the joke.
Just know she’s in good hands.
June 2018
I’m unable to recall when we met. My rear view is cloudy and the reasons why are lost to time. All I know is that we’ve been friends since I could know.
Despite the years and miles in between, we picked up the tune always right where we left it, as if our yesterday was yesterday.
Between us, precious few things were left unsaid. Yet, I’ve got a few short verses more.
Thank you for the countless adventures and laughs we shared; the last were just as sweet as the first.
Thank you for being rock solid and saving me from myself. In your words and actions, you inspired me and showed me the rhythm of what truly matters. You elevated everyone around you and I am a better man because of you.
When there was woodsheding to be done, you never blinked. You simply laid down your best, and then, let it breathe.
Thank you for the sharing the spotlight and harmonies, even if the voices surrounding you weren’t always singing in the same key.
Most importantly, thank you for sharing your journey, your song. Its rich refrain moves on in your beautiful family.
Where the decades went, I don’t know. Time’s a quick runner. What I know is that your life has been a gift to all of us and our friendship is one my life’s greatest honors, a privilege that will walk with me the rest of my days.
Your life is like a well written bass line, a beautiful groove, and you played it with character, courage, strength and taste, without a note wasted. Well done, my friend. I am proud of you and pray you are of me.
Until we pick it up again, I love you, brother.
Credits: Quote from the lyrics of Go Rest High on That Mountain by Vince Gill (1994). Photo of Poncho for Lefty courtesy of One Sojourner
