Monday, November 3, 2008

Remembering Larry ...

Tomorrow is November 4th. Besides being Election Day, it’s also my oldest brother’s birthday. Last year on November 4th, Larry was fighting for his life in a hospice. He lost that fight on November 6, 2007. So naturally, my thoughts are on him especially this week.

My big brother was quite a man. He was a wonderful family man – father to two sons and grandfather to five. He loved his family so much and was a great dad and grandpa, and he left a beautiful legacy behind in his family. He had had a successful career with Magnavox (later Phillips) and had been able to retire early.

Larry took an annual fishing trip to Canada with his buddies – they could only get to the cabin by seaplane and it was very remote and beautiful. He always said it was his favorite place.

He was an Elder at his church and very respected by all who knew him. He loved to travel and he and his wife were able to do quite a bit of traveling the last few years of his life. He was a wise and thoughtful man. I never heard him raise his voice to anyone and I don’t remember ever hearing him speak in anger. He was the person I went to for advice when it came to finances and investments; he was so good at that sort of thing.

Larry was also a great son. Our mom has dementia and is in a nursing home, and Larry visited her as much as he could – usually for about a week every other month.

He was wonderful big brother, and I miss him very, very much.

9 comments:

Vikki said...

You know every time read whatyou have to say about your brother, the more I wish I had had a chance to know him. Sounds like a wonderful man who was well loved and loved well.

Hugs,
Vikki

Vikki said...

Oh btw I forgot to ask, how's Steve doing? And being back at work?

Patty said...

Thanks, girl. You are right, Larry was well loved and loved well -- I like that!

I'm posting an update on Steve momentarily, to answer your question.

. said...

I am really sorry about your brother, he sounds like a great man.

Patty said...

Thank you, Sherrie! He was a wonderful guy and I miss him so...

Jennifer [To PIN/share a Post, Click the 3 dots or the Red SAVE Button] said...

It was sad-happy for me to read this tribute to your brother. What a wonderful man he was and will still be in your garden of memories. (((HUGS)))

Patty said...

Oh Jennifer, thank you. That's a beautiful thought (garden of memories), and thank you for that, as well.

Jennifer [To PIN/share a Post, Click the 3 dots or the Red SAVE Button] said...

You are welcome. That saying was passed on to me by a dear friend - a woman who "adopted" me as her daughter sometime after my own narcissistic mother disowned me (long, sad story - wish I could say something different). Jeanne passed away last Christmas, but she too will always be in my garden of memories. :-) It is happy-sad to remember my dear friend.

God bless you, Patti. Good to read your hubby is on the mend.

Patty said...

I'm sorry to hear you lost such a sweet and dear friend. Seems like the holidays bring these kinds of losses back to the forefront...

 
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