The gift of a sibling

We often take for granite having a sibling. We believe, not by fault just by human nature, that they will always be there. I have learned much too quickly and painfully that they can be gone in a second. Although my Brother is still here on earth, my brother who I loved dearly is now taken away from our Family. My father had two siblings and my Mother had four...all of which had wonderful relationships. Some would have a struggle explaining their childhood and their families relationships, but not me. My parents were great siblings to their brothers and Sisters and valued their relationship so strongly. My Father in particular was a true Family man even though he may have not totally come off that way. He absolutely hated conflict and just wanted everyone to get along and be happy. He truly loved his Family. My Mother was the glue of the Family. She put her heart and soul into keeping them close and holding Christmas Day ever year where her siblings would gather to be together was so important to her life. Distance played a role in some of their relationships but it didn't get in the way, the effort was always there by both sides to be in each other lives.

Dad, you really were always a very good looking Man. Sure you have the bluest of blue eyes but until now I never really appreciated your smile. Here you are back in the late 70's with your Sister Diann and your Brother Stanley Jr. Just look at that smile, you were with your siblings. You were happy. (Dad is on the right)

Mom, the only one wearing glasses in her youth, just like me! Here you goof around with your Sister Lisa, Brother Jimmy and Brother Mike. And then again with your baby Sister Kim, oh how she looked up to her big Sister. Oh my wonderful Aunts and Uncles, also suffering from a loss that is unbearable.

"Some people come into our lives, leave footprints in our hearts and we are never, ever the same."

That's just it. They were in our lives and left such large footprints in our hearts, therefore we will never, ever be the same.

Our family suffered a huge loss, but let's remember the people they were and to never stop incorporating their lives into our own. My heart aches thinking that they are gone, but these pictures, although quite old will never ever fade away.....