My Fallen Hero 3
This is probably the hardest thing I have ever had to write. I have tried to think how to avoid writing about it on this blog, but there is no way to – this will affect every day for the rest of my life. My brother Mike passed away on Aug 12th.
Everything I am today I owe to my brother’s influence. He was 7 years older than me, and I looked up to him (literally and figuratively) until I was old enough to find my own way.
I remember sitting in the Music and Arts Center in McLean, waiting for him to finish his music lessons. I wanted to play an instrument just like him, but of course it had to be a different instrument (he had played guitar, bass, french horn, and saxophone by that time). I could hear the drums in the practice room down the hall and used to watch through the little window. Those moments ultimately led me to become a music major in college… and ultimately led to my circle of friends where I met my wife.
When I got my first computer in 1979, Mike used to sit with me and type in the games we would play – before you could buy computer games everywhere, you had to type in such exciting games as Hunt the Wumpus. As we would sit there and type them in, I learned to program (probably inspired by an inspiration to cheat and beat him, no doubt). If it weren’t for him, I wouldn’t have my career.
Every Saturday, we would watch Ultraman on Channel 20, and we would make brownies or chocolate chip cookies. Mike would make me a “Super Giant Colossal Cookie” – basically a cookie about the size of 3 normal ones. I figured out much later in life that he would make me one big cookie so he could have all the rest to himself. But this instilled in me my baking habit; and I’m proud to say last year I baked his wedding cake.
I could go on, but my point is that there is no way I’d be the person I am today if he wasn’t my brother – and now he has been cheated out of the chance to be an Uncle to my kids. Just as I’m watching my boys figure out what it means to be brothers, I have lost mine. Fate is cruel.
Oh, Dave. :( There are tears in my eyes as I try to think of a way to express how sorry I am. You did a wonderful job with this writeup, despite your grief. You, Lorna, Ruth, and your sons have my deepest condolences.
Dave,
Just got referred to this entry by Sean. This blog was very well-written and heartfelt. I am so sorry for your loss.
I always recall your stories in college about the profound effect your brother had on you. Just try to hang onto all the times you had with him, and just embrace your own boys. Maybe God gave you your triplet sons when He did to help you through with this tough time, who knows.
Give me a holler sometime if you need anything. I still have all the same contact info.
~Davey Vee
Dave,
I am so sorry, I had no idea. You have been through so much. Your father dying before your wedding, your brother gave a wonderfull heart felt speech. Oh David, this is so crushing you have been through so much, a challenging pregnancy, starting your own company, loosing your brother. I just don’t know what to say.
-Scott