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| (from left) John, Bob, Paul, Gene
This photo of my four brothers was on the mantel, then later in the bookcase next to the fireplace, for as long as I can remember. My mother's beautiful penmanship on the back says it was taken January 9, 1933. That means John was 10, Bob was 8, Paul was 6, Gene was 2, and I was four years in the future. God, how I coveted those leather boots, hats, and jackets!! (The naval gear, not so much.)
We were like two separate families, my brothers and I. They all grew up in the same town, played in the same neighborhoods, and went to the same church and school. By the time I came along, the family was on the verge of moving to the place where I grew up and from which the 3 oldest boys soon left for the army in WWII and then their adult lives.
My brother Bob died this past week. Bob was a beautiful man...the rock for many people, including his six children, many grandchildren, and one fabulous little toddler great-grandchild. He never moved south after he retired. He said he liked the cold and snow, and he kept trim by keeping his house in repair, baking his own bread, working in his yard, skiing, biking--and shoveling snow. Mother Nature dropped 16 inches of snow on his town, beginning shortly before his burial. Thanks be he didn't have to shovel that one!!
Rest in peace, dear Bob.
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Monday, December 10, 2012
The Boys
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I love this picture. All four appear smiley and happy. I was pointing them out to someone (Cathy?) at your party a couple of weeks ago!
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ReplyDeleteSally: It's always been around since my mom died. I took it up for the funeral and forgot it in the hotel room. Tsk!
ReplyDeleteOH MY! At least you have the pic posted for all to have and cherish...and no one can lose it forever now.
ReplyDeleteThe faces look a might like yours...and how hard to be an "only" with four sibs...So mysterious are the ties that connect us...
Yup, Sally, twas moi you were talking to about the pic. Lotsa good genes you passed on your three!
Hugs to all.
Cat
What a wonderful picture and tribute! I think you look like Bob around the eyes. He probably would have loved a good snow, from the sounds of it nature celebrated his life as well.
ReplyDeleteHave you contacted the hotel? Someone may have found it and turned it in to the front desk. So glad you have a digital copy of this part of your family.
Sally: Lovely smiles, yes.
ReplyDeleteCathy: Very good genes in that crowd. :)
Linda: On a diagram with Queen of Punctualville at the top, Alzheimers at the left, photographic memory at the right, and dim witted jerk at the bottom, I fell in the lower left-hand quadrant. I didn't leave it permanently in the hotel room...I just forgot to bring it to the church for their photo display. :)
Thank heavens you have it! That's a treasure. BTW -- you are way too hard on yourself, particularly under the circumstances and having traveled for 30 hours, in a snow storm at that!
DeleteSuch an adorable picture, like cute little ducks in a row. They look so happy. :)
ReplyDeleteI am so sorry for your loss of a dearly beloved brother.
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Diana: "ducks in a row"....smile
ReplyDeleteCC: He was a sweet man!!
`Are your other brothers still living?
ReplyDeleteDiana: Only Paul is still living. John died maybe 10 years ago, and Gene died last year on my birthday (with Bob dying near my birthday this year, that doesn't seem like an auspicious date for them). They were, of course, much older.
ReplyDeleteLinds: The snow didn't start till AFTER the burial. And we missed it entirely.
ReplyDeleteWhat sweet little souls.
ReplyDeleteYes they were....thanks for stopping by, Hattie.
ReplyDeleteM.E., I hope you'll be able to experience at least some joy during the holidays.
ReplyDeleteThis has been a moving tribute to your brother. I'm so sorry for your loss.
Diana: Joy goes without saying. Despite my ingrown irritability and need to be RIGHT (except politically) all the freaking time, I can't remember a day without joy, even the worst ones. All I have to do is see a cloud or a leaf or a flower or a rain drop (yes, i do love rain), or a smiling person, and the joy's right there. Thanks for your kind words. More joy!!
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