Dearest Brother, a year has not eased my sadness that you are no longer able to walk this earth and we cannot share in one another’s lives. Many miles separated us for most of our adult lives. But knowing your life was filled with dear friends and good adventures was always a consolation. Cards, letters, phone conversations, email, eventually texts, kept us in touch over the years. But it was best when we could sit and visit face to face. Time spent together was not frequent and too often many months or even years, would pass. But often you did make it “home” for the holidays, bringing joy to your mom and sisters’ Christmases. This December I was especially sad knowing I would not see you coming up my walk and that the empty spot in front of my house would not be filled with your car.
I am glad I did not have to watch Mom suffer the sorrow of knowing you would not be here for Christmas this year. She was so unwell on your birthday she was not able to process the sadness of marking that day with you gone. If the afterlife grants our spirits the chance to reunite with our loved ones, it is comforting to believe you are both now shining on in the everlasting light. Perhaps a Gerling Christmas was in order for 2016, with Gramps and Mom ensuring a good time for family already in the hereafter.
Forever you are in my heart. Forever you are missed.