Memories warm and bittersweet

“To the outside world we all grow old. But not to brothers and sisters. We know each other as we always were. We know each other’s hearts. We share private family jokes. We remember family feuds and secrets, family griefs and joys. We live outside the touch of time.” – Clara Ortega

It’s been four years today since my brother died in a horrific car crash, one that could have been easily avoided. Many of you already know the story of how he was killed when a drunk driver hit his vehicle as he was driving home from work – too many of you have experienced the same. Many people are putting up Christmas lights and decorations. I have always loved Christmas, but since my brother died I tend to wait a bit. We’ve lost a lot of family members in the month of November, it does tend to cast a shadow. But I know Chris (my brother) would want us all to carry on and so I will treasure the memories, warm and bittersweet as they may be. And, as I have every year since he died, implore everyone to take care while driving. It isn’t only alcohol, there are many ways a person may be impaired, and this year we have the added stress of a global pandemic. Stress can lead to people making poor choices and/or bad decisions. So, in honor of my brother, I pray that people will be safe as they drive the highways and byways. And, again, in honor of my brother, I will try to find some really, really bad jokes and puns. For that was one of his favorite things. And I will live outside the touch of time, as the quote above says. I know he is here with us, always.