I remember growing up on the ranch with Luke almost as well as I remember events that occurred yesterday. Neither Luke nor I enjoyed wasting Gods beautiful days, that he gave us in North Central Texas, with school; so come weekends we were always hidden away in the woods. I know several of Matt's college friends first encounters with the younger Muns boys were fleeting glances of half-naked children running through the forest; not that unlike a sighting of bigfoot.
I built more forts and encampments with Luke on those 490 acres than I think the US Government built in the 1800s. Between hunting wild animals with crude homemade weapons and running barefooted through rocky hills, it is a wonder we did not wind up in the hospital more times than we did (which was a considerable amount).
I would say my fondest memory was what I refer to as The Great Escape.
One summer Luke and I were up to our usual aboriginal habits when Matt tried to capture us and force us into manual labor building fences. So in plain, John and Luke, fashion we disappeared into our native habitat where we were almost invincible. After deciding it would be harder to catch us if separated we parted ways with plans to regroup at one of our more hard to find citadels.
I waited at the rendezvous for what seemed like an eternity before I heard Matt's booming voice calling me to the center pasture stating that he had captured my fellow native. As I slunk through the shadows of the trees I was able to spot Matt and my sister Anne. Seated firmly on the ground between them was the other half of my tribe. So thinking quickly I snuck around to the other side of Matt's new Z-71 pickup. To my amusement the keys were still in the ignition. Formulating a plan I decided drastic measures needed to be taken to secure my right hand man's release. Even though I was only 13 years old I scramble inside the truck, fired it up, threw it in reverse, and careened across the pasture. This caught the invading forces by complete surprise. Both Anne and Matt took off running after me allowing Luke the time to escape back into the woods. I left the truck running somewhere near the main creek and once again set off for the pre-arranged meeting spot. As I neared it I could smell a fire and new our escape had been successful. Luke and I spent that night eating fish cooked over an open fire and laughing about our miraculous deliverance from the forces of evil that wished to oppress us.
Looking back on many memories very similar to that listed above I realize that, even though he is gone now, Luke has given me so many wonderful memories and I am truly blessed to have had a brother, and friend who was so amazing.
Luke I love you and will always miss you.