Today is a very important day in the gratitude challenge. We have reached the midpoint of the gratitude challenge. If you have done the challenge every day, you should notice a change in your attitude, habits, and overall demeanor. This is something to celebrate!
But today is also import because today his birthday. He would have been 63 today. I can’t change what happened and I am still sad he is gone. I am writing about my oldest brother Jeff who died in September 2020 from Covid. The picture is me of the last ones I took of him. Today, be grateful for your siblings if you have them.
I wrote the below words in the day we buried him. I have slightly edited as some of it as Covid-19 is not the danger it once was.
“Death is inevitable. It leaves a trail of sorrow for those left behind. There are so many unanswered questions. Yet, one thing is certain. My brother is dead. We buried his remains today.
If you ever met my brother, you saw the light in his eyes, his smile and his face. He ALWAYS smiled when he saw me. His smile was one of pure joy and it was infectious. I never knew what he was verbalizing but he let me know it was damn funny though his laughter. Jeff had a very serious side too. He often appeared to be in deep thought. Because of the communication barrier, I will never truly know what he thought about.
My brother was and is my foundation. He provided unconditional love. He never told me I should have visited him more (I should have). He never critiqued my gifts to him (some were bad). He just loved me and hugged me the same every time.
He is the reason I am who I am. He was born with a little too much DNA on his 9th chromosome. Without that extra DNA, I never get a chance to become his brother. He taught me more than I will ever be able to express. He taught me about love, forgiveness, compassion, understanding, respect, perseverance and perspective. He taught me that EVERY person has value.
Thank you to those who have reached out with condolences. Your words, thoughts and prayers are helpful. Many have asked how they can help. Here is how you can help:
Love and forgive those around you
Wash your hands regularly
Be kind to all
Be physically distant from each other (At least 6 feet)
Smile at somebody today
Finally, eleven days have passed since my brother died. It was ten days from his diagnosis of COVID to his death. It also took ten days for the state to officially acknowledge his death in the COVID statistics (take from that what you wish). This virus is not fake. It is highly contagious. It’s deadly. Don’t believe me? Today I buried my brother.”
Sireadh Toileachas 