I must admit 2018 is turning out to be a very difficult year for me and my family thus far. My sister Judith lost her bout with cancer earlier this year and in August my brother John was killed in a motorcycle accident. His wife Jennifer who was on the bike with him was seriously injured. Jennifer, thank God is expected to make a full recovery physically and although emotionally it may be a longer process she is a strong woman and has a lot of support from her family and friends.

 

On October 6, 2018 there was a gathering of family and friends that took place at my brother John and Jennifer’s house. This get together of family and friends was something my brother John had asked for in the event of his death. I remember many years ago my brother John telling me that he didn’t want anybody grieving over his death, but instead to gather his family and friends together and celebrate his life. He said brother, “if I drop dead tomorrow I have no regrets and I have lived a full life more than some, I suspect. I know my final destination will end in heaven with my Lord and Savior Jesus Christ so don’t grieve for me but instead celebrate my memory and the life I have lived.” Brother I’m happy to report that Jennifer did an amazing job gathering family and friends together in your honor to celebrate your life. Mission accomplished…

 

I love and miss my brother very much. I will miss the days when I get bored and I give my brother a call to see what he is up to, and then invite myself over to his place for a few beers and a game of darts or horseshoes. I will miss his sense of humor and the many conversations we’ve shared over the years about our military service, our families, our politics, and life in general.

 

John and I are brothers, but he was also my best friend. Life is a tapestry of memories that we weave throughout our lives, and the memories I have with my brother John are some of the best memories I have collected. I truly, truly, believe that one day I will be re-United with my sister and brother. Until that day arrives I raise up to you a cold Coors Light. The mountains are blue, my brother.