In Memory of my Big Brother
My heart aches a little more today.
It was one year ago today I got a call telling me my oldest brother had died in a plane crash.
It still feels unreal.
It’s weird, we didn’t see each other that often, but we stayed in touch.
The hole his absence has left in my life is greater than I can say. I never anticipated there would be that kind of feeling of void.
I think it is because he had a bigger than life presence about him. He had an aura that drew people to him. So many people told me at his funeral that he was their best friend.
I miss Ben, even though he could be a bit abrasive at times. He wasn’t afraid to share his opinion, and tell you when he thought you were wrong. I always knew he would be honest with me. I always knew where I stood with him. If I did something wrong, I would hear about it, but when I did things right, I would hear that too.
I miss the phone calls in the middle of the night from somewhere on the other side of the world. I miss the phone calls during the day more, when he would say he was in Portland and ask to stop by or meet somewhere for lunch.
I knew I could count on Ben if I needed anything. I knew he would do anything in his power to help me.
If you didn’t know Ben, I’m sorry. You may not have always agreed with him, but I think you would have liked him.
If you knew Ben, let’s all honor him by reaching out to someone you love, just to check in and see if they need some help with something. If you need some advice take some time to ponder, “WWBD”. Then have a Coors Light in his memory.
Husband, Father, Brother, Uncle, Son, Soldier, Mentor, Friend
