Broda,
Always there for everyone and putting everyone before your own very self
Just like my other siblings, I do not know how to call you by your name Eric. Not because it was a difficult name to call nor was it scary to mentioned your name. Rather it was our own way of expressing love and show respect to you as an elder brother, a disciplinarian and the gentle soul who loved to see his siblings clean and well groomed with a purpose in life.
My heart is heavy and light at the same time. Heavy because you are no longer of this world and would be missed so very much and the pain seems not to go away. Light because you are now wearing your crown of victory and sitting at the table of your Lord and Savior Jesus Christ for these were the words of your niece Elin when she came to our room that fateful morning and asked me daddy why are you like that? I held her close and told her your uncle Eric died and she said; "Uncle Eric has gone to heaven to meet God."
Writing has been something I cherish but sitting on my keyboard, I suddenly do not know how to begin or from where to start because the memories are just to many to recount. Is it the flogging when I stole sugar from the sugar cup after breakfast and would say there is nothing in my mouth when you asked even when I could not answer the question you asked, the do not eat your bread since you drank your tea already (as it was always fun for me to drink my tea and show of my bread outside in the mornings), the study times in my primary school days when I will read an entire lesson but will not be able to point at a single word, your reminder for me to plan and encourage us as a family to do something so that we do not always find ourselves in an emergency situation, the show of love through call, seasonal and occasional greeting cards and wishes to all family members, friends and students? The list is endless and this is how endless your love and concern for family was and will always be. You have always been there at the right time
I remembered visiting you with Elin in 2015 and you recounted a little of your life story in Texas with so much calm, love and smile (oh that never fading SMILE even when in pain). Before then, I only knew you were not well and that you had lung issues. The reality and severity of your condition manifested itself when we went out to run a few errands and almost at the end of our errands you told me your oxygen bag is running out of battery; that was the scariest day of my life as I came to the realization that the air I might be taking for granted, you were now using but devices to be able to breath. I remembered us getting home and I had to run into the house to bring out the longest nasal prong I have ever seen and when you had them on it was felt like being alive again.
We went to church and after mass you introduced Elin and me to your friends and parishioners. I remember vividly the words of Mrs. Mary Jane; " Noel, your brother is a good man and it is so sad that for him to live someone else has to die. I love him so much and that is what I want you to know that Eric is a good man."
Fast forward to 2016, it was with great joy when Mimi informed me on December 27th at about 7Pm EST that you are in the OR undergoing surgery. I called Lyn and she told me the first one was successful and the surgeons are doing the second lungs. After a successful surgery, since my Immaculate was with child, I told her he will be named Eric because God gave you a second chance in life and his expected due date was December 27th, 2017. What greater joy and thanks could we have rendered to God other than naming our son after you. Jr., will always be a constant and permanent reminder of your love presence in our lives Brodah.
When we met in Minneapolis again in 2018 for Mimi's graduation, I knew the tubes were at last gone and the joy of seeing you breath without a device showed God's gift and greatness to mankind through you.
You always made out time to be active in our lives; physically, spiritually and through words and prayers. Seeing you going back to those nasal prongs again placed me in denial, yet you carried it with pride and love, always trying to put a smile on peoples faces and putting others first before your own very self even in sickness. Even in your sick bed you still helped in all means possible with little or no energy. It break my heart so much for not being able to see you before you could be born into eternity. I had planned to come visit on June 13th but had to inform you it could no longer be possible because of the numerous covid restrictions put in place. It was that beautiful Sunday that you just came out of the hospital and you were full of life again, your jokes and that giggle were all too real. I remember that soft voice saying it is okay Noel, you just need to check out your things real well before you make plans; always there for others and putting others first before your own self
Your life was, is and will always be a lesson for me and for all those who knew you because all what you did was from a place of love and some might have taken it to be punishment or hardhandedness.
All you had wished for is a strong and united family and we pray that your dead would not have been in vain.
Journey on Brodah, Journey on and know that you live in our home, our hearts and your story would be told to generations. You are at peace
My brodah who gave all his time, life and love for others and always putting people first
Requiesce in Pace Frater, till we meet to part no more.
Pa Noel as you would fondly call me