When you are growing up – at least in my case – you look up to someone.
That person to me was my older brother – by ten years.
My sister was 15 years older – and I really do not remember –
much of her being home – although she took care of me
those first three years of my life along with my grandma
as both my parents were working.
I was sort of the second coming of the family –
and then almost four years later – my younger brother Mike.
But the thing I remember is my older brother Roger.
He was “COOL” as they said back then –
and quite the ladies man – his nickname I later found out –
across the upper portion of his H.S. varsity jacket –
was ” Anyface” !
I was told many a story about him from his friends
and I would hang out on the fringes – when they were all around.
He had a club in our basement – in the backroom –
and he had drawn pictures of Disney cartoons on the wall
and painted them – Chip and Dale – Mickey Mouse – Donald Duck.
And they were really lifelike.
I do not know why and I think they are still there.
He would put boxing gloves on me –
and I would wail away at him or his friends
they – the gloves – were bigger than me
back then I was skinny – so much so –
my Mom would not let me take my shirt off
as she said people would think she was starving me!
Somewhere – he is looking down – that smile on his face-
When he went away to college – I moved into his front of the house room.
This was Rogers room I would think – and I was excited
for he was MY HERO!
I would ask Mom – did you get a letter? Is he going to call?
Will he be coming home?
I could not wait to see him.
And that continued even after I grew up and moved on.
I would always ask those questions of her.
When he did come back home – it was a occasion.
A celebration – dinners – laughing and story telling.
And then – the last twelve years of his life –
once again we became close – very close.
We talked at least once a week and we would go and see him.
Once he came here – and a couple times back home in Eldred Pa.
When my mom and sister were still alive.
He was my Hero in early life and continued to the day he passed.
age 75
my friend and hero
I regret that we could not spend more time together
he wanted us to move to Florida and live with him.
But – life gets in the way.
I feel good because the last four years of his life
we spent 9 weeks each Winter with him
In The Villages – Florida – doing some golf -sipping some brews –
laughing and remembering –
those were the best of times I shall always cherish
Thank you for reading Papa’s World
My brother was my hero growing up
and to the day he was gone – still was
and today I think of him often
Hero’s are rare – once in a lifetime
I was fortunate to have had him.
Thank you Roger for all the good times.
WHERE FRIENDS MEET THE FAMILY!
MY SITE: livinglifedoingitmyway.blog
