MY FIRST HERO - MY BROTHER

 Red hair, brown eyes  - a beautiful little boy!

Today is my brother's birthday.  He died of cancer, at the age of 50, 24 years ago, and I still miss him so much!!!     Please indulge me, while I reminisce and honor the memory of my first hero, my brother.   

My brother was five years older than me, and he was my hero.  My mother and dad divorced when I was two years old, and from that time forward, my brother became my protector and my hero.

My mother and brother, picture taken on Houston St. in San Antonio.

My brother was my encourager, always pushing me to do my best.    He would ask me,  "what have you been doing that's  good for the world?"

My brother, me and my doll - Linda.

My brother loved baseball, and especially the New York Yankees!  He loved playing  baseball with his friends, and listened to baseball games at night on the radio;   I still have such fond memories of hearing the calls of a baseball game.

My brother with his baseball glove and me with my dolls.

I remember my brother and his friend having all day and night Monopoly vigils.  I remember my brother popping popcorn without a lid, just to watch it fly all over the kitchen.   I remember him digging fox holes and playing army.   

I remember my brother being very active in our Baptist church.   I remember being so proud of my teenage brother, when our minister would call on him during the worship service, to have him lead in prayer.

I remember my brother walking me to school when I was in elementary school, and me feeling so safe.

My brother loved and appreciated  good music and art, especially western art.  He always had a burning  desire to study and learn.   His last degree was his Master's degree in International Business.

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My mother, brother and me after his college graduation from Texas Tech in Lubbock

After graduating from Texas Tech, he joined the U.S. Coast and Geodetic Survey.  He was stationed in Alaska, where they  surveyed the bottom of the ocean.

My brother married the love of his life when he was working in Alaska, and she  lived in Port Angeles,  Washington.

Our son and me,  visiting my brother and his family in Grand Forks, North Dakota in 1966

My big brother and me in Arlington, Texas in the '70's

My brother  loved his family  so much!

   I can still see David and my brother sitting together when we'd visit one another.   They would sit and talk or never say a word.   They had a deep love, respect and admiration for one another.  

And I say, "thank you God for giving me my brother, my first hero,  protector, and precious memories!"