Strong and Brave
He can’t go yet – we are still learning from him.
He continues to be a picture of grace, flashing his beautiful smile every time someone enters the room. Thanking every nurse and doctor who comes by. Telling us be strong when we cry.
Generally the purpose of these visits is to comfort the sick, but it is definitely he who is doing the comforting.
He has taught and coached hundreds – could be thousands – of kids over the years, so he is taking this opportunity to give us advice and words of wisdom. Be the mentor one last time. A knee jerk reaction when you’ve been doing it your whole life, I guess.
He says he doesn’t want to leave us, but he’ll be watching us from above. Every hour our admiration grows stronger, although I didn’t think that was possible. Every hour his voice weakens.
How he can stay so strong and so brave after all he has endured is truly mysterious. As though he hasn’t impressed us enough with his exemplary life.
Remarkable in every way. He always did rise to the occasion.
Our love, thoughts, and prayers are with you, Deanna.
My dear Deanna, what a stunningly beautiful post! Your brother is clearly an amazing person! Thanks for sharing him with us–and thanks for sharing your grief, as well!
Hugs to you, my friend,
Kathy
Deanna, i’m so sorry you are all facing this terrible time – i hope writing about it and how wonderful your brother is can give you some release and comfort. Thinking of you, my dear friend.