Sitting down to write this post I keep thinking of what words I could pen that would say all that is in my heart tonight. Last night I received a call about my older brother, Greg. He was taken by squad to the hospital near his home in Louisville. After phone calls back and forth and hours of waiting I received the call nobody wants at midnight. He passed away. It has sent shock waves through our family and we struggle with trying to come to terms with yet another tragedy. Another gathering. Another funeral. If you looked up the word success in the dictionary you should see Greg's photo there. That is if success is a kind person. If success is a generous man. If success is a loving husband, father, grandfather. If success is a wonderful brother who did all he could to be there for the family. If anyone needed help he was there. If success was being a hero that would be him. A brave marine who fought in Vietnam. If success was running a company he built up himself and then made sure to employ any family member who needed a job and wanted a trade, he would fit that definition. Greg loved life. He hosted many of our family Christmas parties and summer cookouts. All were welcome in his home. A smile, a laugh, a hug. I have so many memories of a big brother looking out for me. Letting me drive his car when I was 12! (secretly of course!) Giving me advice. Going off to war when I was 14 and thankfully coming home. He proved you don't always need a college education to be smart. He had class and grace and I know I sound like he was perfect. We all know nobody is but in our family he was lovingly called St. Gregory. So I'm betting he is with Mom and Dad and my nephew Jono. What a party we're all missing. We will be here to honor his life and gather as siblings to say a final goodbye on Monday. A time to reflect on a life well lived but gone too soon. A brother we will all miss and another empty chair at the table. RIP Greg...we all love you.
10 comments:
Kathleen, what words can I pen that would say all that is in my heart? With the passing of your big brother Greg, you and your family have suffered yet another terrible loss. I share your sorrow, dear friend. Thank you for letting us know what Greg meant to you and other members of the family beginning way back when you were little. Like your father, Greg was a great man who served his country with honor as a member of the armed forces. He was a man of courage, character, class and grace, always there when needed to help and guide. Please take some small comfort knowing that Greg is reunited now with your mom and dad and other departed loved ones. Gone too soon but never to be forgotten, Greg will be honored and his life celebrated whenever the family gathers to share food and good times, observe holidays and mark the milestones of its young.
My heart goes out to you and the rest of your family, dear friend YaYa. Once again please remember that you are in my thoughts and prayers.
How incredibly sad for you and his family. I take it this was sudden and very unexpected. You have had your trials these past couple of years and I am so very sorry.
sending thoughts and prayers
cathy
Oh Yaya, I am so very sorry about the sudden passing of your dear brother Greg. He sounds like the perfect brother. So much has happened to you and your family in the space of one year that it takes my breath away.
I'm so glad that you have such a warm and loving family that will see you through this during this sad time.
May your mom receive him with a big welcome in heaven and may he rest in peace.
My sincere condolences to you and all the family.
Hugs and prayers.
Julia
What a wonderful tribute to Greg! Yes that is all success!
SWEET
Sherry & jack thinking of the family here.
I'm so very sorry for your loss. Praying for you and your family.
I am so very sorry to read this Kathy and for your incredible loss. You must just be reeling from all the tragedies and misfortunes you've endured just since our paths have crossed. There is no way to lessen your sorrow, but know I would if I could and you and the rest of your family will be in my thoughts and prayers. Wishing you comfort, peace and consolation in the days ahead. ~Robin~ (....beautiful tribute to your brother...your love and respect for him shines through.)
So sad to hear about the sudden passing of your brother. My thoughts and prayers to you yet again to you and your family. A wonderful post about him and his memory will live on. Janice
I am so sorry of the sudden loss of your brother. Of course, you have written a wonderful post about him here. Hugs to you, my friend. xx
I'm so sorry.
I'm so sorry.
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