My head has been in another place this week. I have wanted to post on several occasions, but everytime I tried, I hit a brick wall.
Last April, I wrote my first tribute to my brother, Pete. To read it, click here. The above picture is the result of Rick Green's incredible talents.
Then last week, I wrote once again after he was admitted to the hospital.
This past Monday, December 7, 2009, the Lord brought my brother into his kindgdom. My head has been in a fog all week, partly in denial, and partly accepting the reality of it all. I will never see him again...on earth.
I've been in contact with my sister-in-law throughout the week and have been told some really amazing things about Pete that I did not know. He's worked at his job for the past 20-30 years and has become friends with many of the employees. Once or twice a month, many of them would go out to a local restaurant for Happy Hour. When the company learned of his passing, they called in grief counselors for the employees. This has only been done once before, and it was after 9/11.
On Thursday of this week, the entire company shut down for one minute to pay tribute to my brother. And, as of Thursday night, the Happy Hour roster scheduled for Friday night had grown to 70 people. They were all going to meet, grab a Budweiser, and celebrate his life. I would love to have been there!
Pete was a gentle person. He was never loud or angry. He was the one that was first in line when they passed out common sense. (I think I was hiding behind the door!)He could hold a conversation with a Ph.D. and a five year old at the same time.
He touched everyone with whom he came in contact. He could find sunshine in the darkest of days. When we would visit, I never wanted it to end. We spent a day with him this past summer when the family went to California. That day is fixed in my memory with warm and loving thoughts.
So, I imagine him surfing some really narly waves in heaven right now. He is pain free, energized, and probably has a really nasty tan! Keep those boards waxed bro!
3 comments:
I am sorry you are having to feel the pain of your brothers death. Your post is a wonderful tribute to him.
Having lost both my brothers when they were only young men, I know how you must be feeling mate. {{{HUGS}}}
I'm so sorry to hear about your loss. I hope that you can celebrate his spirit at Christmastime, and have a wonderful time remembering the wonderful man he was.
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