Dear Brother,

You had three weeks to live in January 2011. When I visited with you in hospice, I wish I told you how much you taught me about living with grace and character. I admired you so much: the way you put family first, always choosing to be happy. You taught me to accept people the way they are.

Instead of saying that, I looked at you and cried, “I don’t want you to leave me”. You just looked at me and grinned, shrugging your shoulders. I wish there hadn’t been so many people there. We all came to see you and I didn’t get my turn.

You have left a void in our family. In the universe. I will try to live my life by honoring your selfless giving. And your unique gift of making everyone feel special.

Thank you, Ken. Until we meet again.

Donna, age 39