My oldest brother Ray has been plagued with more than I
think is humanly possible. A while back Ray had a stroke and could no longer
find the words to say what he was thinking. He had failing eyesight and hearing
like many in their 80's. At 86 he found he also had inoperable Cancer and now
we can see that it is taking a toll on Ray. But the thing that is really pulling
my brother down is the fact that he can no longer carry on a conversation or
tell a story as he always enjoyed in the past.
I had been thinking about my brother and the life he has
lead. I remember Ray always being a strong man. He has been a good son,
brother, husband, father and grandfather. Ray always had something to say, a
story to tell, words of wisdom, jokes and songs to sing. He inherited his
father's gift for story telling, so when Ray spoke, everyone listened.
Remembering all his stories and stories about him kept me up
many nights recently until I finally said, "I have to go see my brother to
tell him what he has meant to me".
Thanks to our family, I was able to spend some time alone
with Ray and Helen. The first thing out of my mouth was, "What do you want
to talk about Ray?". His response, "Please tell me something,
anything, a story, anything. I can't remember anymore. Please tell me".
Wow, God sent me here to tell my brother a story.
So, I told my brother stories that my mom had told me; how
when he was a small boy, he fell out of the back of my parents Model T while
they were traveling to California and how his 3 other siblings did not tell my
parents because they were not suppose to speak when my Dad was driving. I told
my brother how my Mom had cried when Ray insisted that she sign her name on a
document that would allow him to join the marines during WWII. Helen and I told
him that he was one of so many young soldiers who landed on
We reminded him about coming home and finding himself a wife
who would be his partner for life and how he worked so hard to take care of his
family. And I reminded him how his faithfulness and good works had given him
such a blessing from God.
For the rest of the weekend I witnessed a blessing that has
made it possible for this man to endure so much. I saw his grandsons who are some
big strong men come in to see their Papa each on their own time. Each
approaching him and saying, "Hi Papa, I come to see you and let you know I
love you. Can't forget his granddaughters. They all love him so much and spend
time with him as well. Rays own children were in and out all weekend, knowing
what needed to be done to help out, but still taking time out to kiss and hug
their dad and spend a little time just chatting with him.
It was good medicine for him to have me, as my nephew calls
it, "VALIDATING" my brother's life. But it was nothing compared to
having his wife, children and grandchildren validating him on a daily basis. I
will never forget how the sound of their voices brought such light into his eyes.
I am sure when my brother gets to heaven, God will say, "Well done, my son."
I am sure when my brother gets to heaven, God will say, "Well done, my son."
