Home Free: 22 years later

"Wish I had me a pause button
Moments like those Lord knows I'd hit it
Yeah sometimes this old life will leave you wishing
That you had five more minutes"

Twenty-two years ago on a cold winter night at 10:59 pm, heaven gained an angel. My brother, Rick, would finally see the stars when he closed his eyes on Earth and opened them in heaven after a senseless act of selfish rage ended his life and changed ours forever. Since 1996, the 19th has only fallen on a Friday again twice, in 2002 and 2007. Today makes number four. Rick's angel anniversary is always a difficult one because memories of that day and the days that followed are etched in my brain forever, but when it falls on a Friday, I relive in my mind the last weekend I saw him alive. He came home the weekend before he was killed to tell us he was leaving Columbus and was going to come home to Chesterland, something we had been praying for for a long time. I am so thankful God gave us that last weekend together and I can so vividly remember so many happy things about it and getting to spend time with Rick. Of course, I didn't know that weekend would be our last or that I would be living the rest of my life without my little brother in it but I am so thankful for that weekend and thankful I had one last hug, one last I love you, one last goodbye. Gosh, what I wouldn't give for just five more minutes!

The forecast for today is sunshine and blue skies I'd like to think a certain someone had something to do with that. Not only that, but I think a certain someone knew I needed a reason to smile today. As turns out, my daughter-in-law needs a babysitter today and I given my current job situation, I just happen to available. What better way to remember an "angel" than by spending it with another angel, my grandson, who makes my heart so very happy. Coincidence? I'd like to think divine intervention.
😉😇

There is not a day that goes by that I don't miss my brother and wish he was here but I am thankful for God's promise that this life is not the end and I will get to feel one of his amazing hugs and see his contagious smile once again. Love you always, Slick. Until we meet again….

PS Give Papa D and my two grand babies a hug and kiss for me.

 

Every year, without fail, I receive a card from POMC, a support group we were active with after Rick was killed. Gone, but never forgotten, even by people who never knew him.