Thursday, March 15, 2007

Thursday Thirteen #9

On Saturday, March 17th, 1990 @ 12 midnight, will mark the 17 th anniversary of my brother's passing. I'd like to share some things about him. He was such a special young man, who knew how to have fun, enjoy life and bring joy to others.

Toot's I miss and love you so much. You are always in my thoughts.

* Manuel was born on Sunday, May 10, 1970. It was Mother's Day. Boy did we celebrated. My dad took my sister and I, to our favorite Italian restaurant. We had our first sip of red wine and toasted my brother's birth.

* He was an answered prayer to my sister and I. We had prayed for years for a baby brother. We loved him so much.

* I was the oldest of three. I was seven and my sister was six when he was born. So we were old enough to really help out.

* I loved to hold him and give him his bottle. We bonded instantly.

* He wore these little cute, baby blue terry cloth training pants. He couldn't say blue briefs (in Spanish) so he would call them, "cuthuthy lul" (calzonsillo- briefs, azul- blue)". You gotta know Spanish to understand. LOL!

* Our home was spacious enough that he was allowed to ride his tricycle inside. While riding his tricycle, he loved to pretend he was a police officer. He would "scribble" us tickets for made up infractions. He didn't know how to write yet. He would even wear my dad's white motorcycle helmet. He really looked the part.

* He was the baby of the family, but he was very protective of his sisters. When my Knight came courting, he would come and sit between us. To insure that "nothing" was going on. :o) It never bothered me. I knew he cared for me. Praise the Lord my Knight was just as understanding.

* He was twelve when I got married. As I was getting into the car, he hugged me, kissed me and told me, " I love you so much. I'm going to miss you." He was the last one I saw as our car was pulling away from the reception. He was crying. My Knight was in the Army and stationed in Louisiana. So I was moving away.

* When he was in high school he worked as a lifeguard. He saved a little boy from drowning.

* Girls loved him and guys wanted to be like him. I'm not saying that cause he was my brother, but he had a way about him. He was charming, easy going & friendly. People were automatically drawn to him. He had a smile that would knock your socks off. His eyes twinkled mischievously. He was handsome and he knew it, but it never went to his head. He had a big heart. He was kind, loving and tender hearted. What a combination.

* He was very athletic. He lettered in baseball, football and wrestling. He loved being a Police Explorer. He loved life and lived to the fullest.

* He was thrilled when we had our first, second and third baby girl. He would call them, "my girls". As soon as I went into labor with them, he and my sister would hop in the car and drive 5 hours to come and welcome their niece. He was not able to be here for our third baby girl's birth. He was in the Army by then. He was in the 82nd Airborne Division. His goal was to be a RANGER. He was well on his way.

* He called me two hours before the car accident. His last words to me were, "Remember that I love you and take good care of my girls."

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The purpose of the meme is to get to know everyone who participates a little bit better every Thursday. Visiting fellow Thirteeners is encouraged! If you participate, leave the link to your Thirteen in others comments. It’s easy, and fun! Be sure to update your Thirteen with links that are left for you, as well! I will link to everyone who participates and leaves a link to their 13 things. Trackbacks, pings, comment links accepted!


19 comments:

Cafe Cats said...

a beautiful tribute, thank you for sharing a little piece of your brother with us all.

jennyr said...

this really made me cry...so touching! i can feel how much u love & miss him! He sure sounds like a person full of life!

jennyr said...

my TT is in this link...

http://jendavid.bravejournal.com

Robyn Mills said...

What wonderful memories that you carry with you of him. Many are not that lucky - treasure them as much as you did him.

Julee Huy said...

Oh my, you have me in tears...

Julee

http://homeschooling.about.com/ub/6/

Susan Helene Gottfried said...

Really touching TT this week. Hope the emotions that go with the memories are more sweet than bitter.

Unknown said...

will be thinking of you today..that was quite emotional. thanks for sharing him with us

Loretta @ Stitching the Night Away said...

Oh my goodness, what a wonderful tribute post and a great list of memories!

Lady G~ said...

Thank you all for the sweet comments.
Yes, the memories are sweet, not bitter at all. :o)

Kathy said...

A wonderful tribute to your brother. Thank you for sharing your memories.

Just Nancy said...

This is a wonderful list about your brother. I lost my sister when she was only 27 so I know it's sad. Thanks for visiting my list and I'll visit you again!

Jenny McB said...

How sad. It is difficult to lose a sibling, there is so much shared history. This was written well, thank you for sharing. Time doesn't make grief go away, it just makes it different. My brother died 8 years ago and like you, I think of him everyday.
Prayers to you and your family.

Bellezza said...

Lady G. it is so nice to meet you! I love your emphasis on our Lord and your family in your blog(s). I look forward to lots of visits between us. I'm sorry about the loss of your brother, but it is good to know we will meet again some day isn't it?

Robin said...

Your brother sounds like a very special person. I'm so sorry for your loss.

Mitchypoo said...

How sweet! Very touching. He was a beautiful man inside and out.

Elle Fredrix said...

Thanks for sharing. I lost one of my brothers 15 years ago. Hold fast to those memories, those feelings. Keep them warm and safe in your heart.

Carina said...

Your brother must have been an incredibly special person. I can only imagine how I would feel if my little brother were gone. My sister and I would never have been the same without him.

Jenny said...

What wonderful, beautitul memories you have. I don't know what I'd ever do if I lost my little brother.

Thanks for sharing. Happy belated TT!

http://musingj.blogspot.com

The Rock Chick said...

What beautiful memories you have of your brother. He sounds like a very special person. I'm so sorry for your loss. I lost my brother 12 years ago. I know it's difficult. Hope all of the love you shared carries you through difficult days.