I can't believe that it has been
FIVE YEARS
since my brother
CHARLES WILCOX
passed away.
You can read that story here
I remember him like this...
on the farm...
feeding the turkeys....
When he was older one year he
pumped them full of BBs to round them up.
My mother found out on
butchering day.
She sold turkeys to the nearby farmers
for Thanksgiving dinner-
but not THAT YEAR! lol
So--the kid WASN'T perfect!
But then he grew up
and had a family...
You can read that story here
I remember him like this...
on the farm...
feeding the turkeys....
When he was older one year he
pumped them full of BBs to round them up.
My mother found out on
butchering day.
She sold turkeys to the nearby farmers
for Thanksgiving dinner-
but not THAT YEAR! lol
So--the kid WASN'T perfect!
and had a family...
Shown here with his beautiful daughter
Sarah and her baby.
He was just the nice guy that you thought
would always be there.
He was "that guy" that everyone liked-
kind and generous,
a good dad and all around good guy.
The phone would ring and he would say
"Hello, Sister Dearest"
That was his take-off of
MOMMIE DEAREST
-don't ask-although
I never did hit him with
coat hangers---
A ring with prongs? Maybe!
So, today, I will think fond thoughts about him.
I will smile at some things
and tear up at some memories.
I only had one sibling-my brother.
I was lucky because we were never estranged.
I just want to say that if you have a
strained relationship with a family member
try to rectify it before it is too late
because you never know when
time might be up for you or them.
My brother went from diagnosis to death
in a few hours and had never really been sick.
You just never know.
I hope you all have a beautiful day.
oh my gosh that turkey story is hilarious,,, what a wonderful tribute to a great guy,,so sorry for your loss, I know you miss him dreadfully.
ReplyDeleteI am so sorry for your loss; even after five years, the loss can be so great. The turkey story is a hoot! It is so wonderful that you were always close and merciful that he did not suffer long. I love the grace of the Snow White chuckle. Charlie lives on in your sweet memories of him. May God comfort each of you on this day. blessings ~ tanna
ReplyDeleteA wonderful tribute and memory.
ReplyDeleteOh my gosh. Diagnosis to death in a few hours scares me. My father was given 6 months to live and died two days later. You just never know.
ReplyDeleteSuch a beautiful tribute to your bro. I'm sure he read it in heaven. Enjoy your week, Diana!
ReplyDeleteDiana, Your brother Charlie had a beautiful head of hair, like yours. :) You are so right, people need to just try their best to get along with family. I know you still miss Charlie. My brother Mark will be gone 3 years this month , and I miss him. You probably have some wonderful memories of your brother and your times as children. Love the turkey story. :):) Hugs and blessings to you my friend, love you, xoxo, Susie
ReplyDeleteI have no words. This is so touching and I have brothers I love so I can't even imagine. I know he was something just like you precious people. xoxo Dolly
ReplyDeleteYou're so right Diana...we should cherish every moment with loved ones.
ReplyDeletexxx
What a cute little brother you had, Diana. I know you miss him. He may be gone but will be forever in your heart! I lost one of my sisters 13 years ago this month, she's always near my thoughts.
ReplyDeleteSounds like a wonderful brother. I have 2 sisters, one I keep close, the other, though we're no estranged, I keep my distance from. She thinks I should be her bank.
ReplyDeleteHandsome man that brother of yours. So glad that he wasn’t perfect because that would have really set him apart, but shooting the turkeys? Wow. Have a sweet day remembering.
ReplyDeleteI'm glad you can look back on a warm and loving relationship with your brother. Those turkeys certainly could not do the same.
ReplyDeleteSo true, you never know! SO sad to lose your Brother, I know you miss him terribly! Have a blessed day as you remember your Brother! HUGS!
ReplyDeleteHugs for you today. Funny how 5 years can fly by! I'm sure you still miss him.
ReplyDeleteI lost my oldest brother just days before you list yours - he had liver cancer. Fortunately we had three months to find peace and healing in our relationship with him. He had been abusive and still used anger or guilt to try to manipulate us. But God gave us the chance to forgive and help us to care for him. So yes. Fix those relationships while you can! You can put healthy boundaries in place if you need to.
Xo, Cecilia
What wonderful memories you have to carry with you. You will be in my thoughts today friend.
ReplyDeleteI miss my brother also. He died two years ago at Christmas time. I also miss his voice in a phone call, Hi Sis!! Sending you hugs.
ReplyDeletePrecious memories for you. Smiles through tears I'm sure. Yes, siblings are a blessing. I have two sisters and don't know what I would do without them. Bless you dear friend.
ReplyDeleteSometimes, wonderful memories are all we have. It is really hard for me to realize my husband has been gone since '95. Still, life goes on and we need to make the best of it. I am concerned about BJ.
ReplyDeleteMy thoughts and prayers are with you, Diana, as you remember your brother. Losing a sibling is so very difficult. :(
ReplyDeletexoxo
What a beautiful brother you had - and such wonderful and fun memories of him. I too only have one brother and we get a long very well although we live far apart (maybe that's why???).
ReplyDeleteand if you are estranged, now is the day to make amends. Don't let anger and ill will eat you alive.
ReplyDeleteBeautifully said, You and your brother .. both treasures.
ReplyDeleteExcept for the turkey bb thing, the poor birds! ....lol...
Miss D...sorry, the above unknown comment is mine...on a different e-address and it didn't pick up the real me. So to speak...haha.
ReplyDeleteWhat a lovely post about your brother, Diana! How disorienting it must've been for you all when he died so soon after his diagnosis! I can't imagine how painful that was for you all!
ReplyDeleteI know how much you miss him.....
ReplyDeleteI cannot believe it's been five years either! I cherish the memories and relationships with my brother and sister, so I know it would grieve me so if I lost them. May the Lord comfort and give you joy and peace as you think of where he is now. Beautiful tribute to his memory.
ReplyDeleteGood Morning sweet friend. This is a hard day for you and I am thinking good thoughts for you today. Your brother was so good to you and you were good right back. It is always hard when we lose a sibling. I continue to think of my brother that I lost suddenly in the prime of his life too. So I know that pain. I often think about where and what they would be doing in life. I know you have wonderful memories of your brother that can stay with you forever. May you find peace throughout the day today. Hugs and prayers.
ReplyDeleteLove ya,
Kris
Saying a prayer for the repast of your brother's soul, sweet lady.
ReplyDeleteOh, to lose an only sibling - ouch. And it's been five years already? How is that even possible?
Well I nearly spit out my tea reading he fed his BBs to the turkeys. Oh my gosh your mother must've been furious, haha. Poor turkeys, too. Yikes.
Well it's a great story, as you have such a gift with words.
Sorry I have been so MIA - just seems the way I roll these days.
Love you. Hugs. ♥
How sad. I went back and read his story. Brothers are so special. I had two brothers. There was 12 years difference in their ages. Both of them died at age 49. One with cancer and one died from a heart attack. I still miss them.
ReplyDeleteAlthough I started to read in a sad mood, that turkey story just cracked me up! My heart goes out to you in lieu of his five years of passing, which I cannot believe time it's past so fast since! I have two brothers I love so much and my goodness I still can fathom my life without them.
ReplyDeleteMay you have a peaceful day, just remembering and smiling of how blessed you were to have a brother like him.
Thank you for your sweet comment. I haven't been around my blog, as I have been away too.
Have a lovely week dear friend.
Fabby
A wonderful memory and tribute. The story you shared about the turkeys was funny.
ReplyDeleteDiana, your advice re mending strained relationships is very timely. I need to work harder on this. Thanks for visiting Carole's CHatter
ReplyDeleteWhat a loving tribute to your brother, Diana, and the message at the end was an especially meaningful one that everyone should read. On December 31st, the Feast of the Holy Family, our priest gave a sermon on not holding grudges, forgiveness, how short life really is, and how walls should be taken down. He said that in his line of work, he has seen pass away, and there are those left with regrets. It was so beautiful, and brought me to tears.
ReplyDeleteDiana, I'm so glad that you can remember the funny things about your brother as well as the loving things. I know you think of him and miss him every single day. I'm fortunate to still have my three brothers and two sisters but the truth is we don't get together as often as we should. My youngest Sister turns 60 this month and it will be the last year the six of us will be in our sixties! Geesh, we are all getting older. I agree that we should all make more time for those we love. This was a very sweet tribute to your brother.
ReplyDeletehugs,
Sissie
I'm sure that still hurts, Diana. I'm sorry.
ReplyDeleteWhat sweet memories you have of your dear brother. I don't know what it's like to be estranged from any of my family members...all seven siblings...and I'm so glad you mentioned the fact how important family relationships are and that we are not promised tomorrow. I lost my oldest brother back in August and I still can't believe he's gone. But we always have our memories, don't we? Thank you dear, Dianna for this beautiful post. ♥
ReplyDeleteI love that your brother called you Sister Dearest....there must be many stories behind that name! What a nice tribute to him.
ReplyDeleteYou are so blessed you had a brother and y'all were close. I remember when he passed. I hate being an only child!
ReplyDeleteSweet post, My Friend!
That is so sweet. And you are so right....you never know. Tell the ones you love today, tomorrow might be too late!
ReplyDeleteWhat a special post for your dear brother, Diana. He sounds like a great guy. It's nice that you were close to him. I lost a brother too, and miss him very much sometimes. He was the oldest, and I was the youngest. ; )
ReplyDeleteThinking of you tonight as you are remembering your brother.
love, ~Sheri
I am always grateful to have been blessed with the loved one in my life for any length of time. It is a missing that never completely goes away.
ReplyDeletePraying for you Diana, sending love and hugs .. thru the Winter Chill of Wisconsin.
ReplyDeletexx oo
I remember how sudden his passing was. I'm sure you miss him everyday. So sorry. Hugs my friend. ❤️
ReplyDeleteha ha ha the turkey story is great one!
ReplyDeleteI am very sorry that you lost your dear brother. I am also glad you were close to him and have such sweet memories! Sandie
ReplyDeleteOh, my! I am so sorry for your deep loss. He sounds like a wonderful person. And, to have no warning of his passing would make it even harder to get through. God bless you and comfort you in every moment of grief. Sending love and hugs to you, sweet friend.
ReplyDeleteOh my dear Diana, I am so sorry about your brother. Even though it has been five years, I know you still miss him dearly. It is especially hard when we have no time to prepare our hearts and minds for one's passing. It leaves you with so many questions and unfinished conversations. But thankfully, because of Jesus, we know the conversation never ends. Praying for you and your loved ones today as you remember this dear brother, father, grandfather, and friend. Sending (((hugs))) and love to you today.
ReplyDeleteDiana,
ReplyDeleteI am so sorry for your loss. I can not believe it is 5 years already. I remembered when you shared his passing with all of us. Always sending prayers and hugs to you and your family! Thanks so much for stopping by to visit both my blogs and on face book...
Hugs,
Debbie
Well, I think "diagnosis to death without sickness" is a good plan and God knew what he was doing.
ReplyDeleteI have two brothers. One is older and one is younger. I never hear from the younger one though we just live a town away from each other. We never had a falling out but for some reason, he will not return my calls or text. I have get togthers and always invite him and he never shows. I only see him when Mom has a dinner then. I will him why he never response and he just shrugs his shoulders and says "I didnt think I had to". I get upset about it a lot but try now to stop letting it bother me and live my own life. I can make him come around and he has 3 of my nephews I missed seeing grow up. :(
Lisa
Crap I hope you can desifer the typos geez!
DeleteSo sad Diana, I know the pain of using a sibling. My little sister Cynthia dies unexpectedly in her sleep when shen was 52. You have shared a lovely tribute to you sweet brother. We always have our memories. May you find comfort in them. That turkey story is too funny! xo
ReplyDeleteYour brother was handsome and I love the pic of him with the turkeys. I know how you miss him as I miss my two brothers. My older brother was pretty handy with his BB gun too. I was scaring the birds away that he was trying to shoot and he whirled around and took a shot at me! Boy, did he get a whupping for that! :) My other brother was younger and I was always playing pranks on him. We finally grew up and still loved each other. It's been 26 and 22 years since both have gone, but I still miss them so much. I miss their wit and wisdom, the phone calls and visits. But, we do have our memories and that's such a blessing! Blessings to you, dear Diana, as you remember your precious brother. xx Cheryl
ReplyDeleteDiana, I'm so sorry about the loss of your only brother, I am sure it still feels like yesterday and not five years ago. Bless your heart, it must be so heavy. Take care and know you are you in my prayers. Love and blessings, dear friend.
ReplyDeleteNancy
I am so sorry for the loss of your brother. Anniversary dates are so hard. This was a beautiful tribute to your brother.
ReplyDeleteIt sounds like you had a wonderful brother and a great relationship. I also love the picture of him with the turkey and his behavior reminds me of one of your grandbabies? Maybe it runs in the family. I'm sorry for your loss and it never is easier when the anniversary comes...but it is shocking when another year passes..and how long they have been gone!
ReplyDeleteOh, Diana - he sounds like a wonderful brother. I never had a brother - always wished I had one. Now he is watching over you all the time. Such a nice tribute. We never stop missing those we love. Hugs xo Karen
ReplyDeleteHi Diana, such wonderful memories of your dear brother. He obviously was a character just like you! What a blessing it is to have had such a treasured brother. I am sure he would want you to look back and smile. Hugs to you!Jane
ReplyDeleteSuch a beautiful tribute to pay your brother! I know he’s watching over you now!
ReplyDelete❤️
What a cute story about the turkey! Made me chuckle this morning. Awe...what a precious post for your brother. I am sure you miss him horribly. How the memories become so precious to us. Hugs and blessings, Cindy
ReplyDeleteLive is short. I can't believe is already five years! What a beautiful tribute to your brother. - That picture with the turkeys is adorable!
ReplyDeleteJust heartbreaking, Diana. I am so sorry. Anniversary dates are always hard, but the wonderful memories are yours to cherish forever...thinking of you.xo
ReplyDeleteOh, Diana. I can't believe it's been five years. I'm glad you have such great memories of your wonderful brother. Thank you for saying that about estranged families. I have several friends like this. I keep trying to get them to work it out. Family is family.
ReplyDeleteOh Diana, I remember when he passed. He sounds like a very special person. I know you have wonderful memories.
ReplyDeleteHugs,
Mary