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.

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