My Brother Joe
How do you say goodbye to your last sibling after you’ve already lost a brother and sister?
How do you say goodbye to the big brother who held your hand from the time your were little and was always there for anyone in need?
How do you say goodbye to the little boy born in Italy, who easily adapted to life in the United States from the age of four, to become a college graduate, a successful businessman and community volunteer?
How do you say goodbye to the handsome sailor who served his adopted country proudly, and whose little sister still has all the bracelet charms he brought home to her from his tours of duty all over the world?
How do you say goodbye to the brother born on the eponymous St. Joseph’s day, who cherished his Italian ancestry and his family in Italy and the U.S.?
How do you say goodbye to the man who loved spending time outdoors in nature or with family, including the large group of cousins to whom he always stayed close?
How do you say goodbye to the man who was never happier than when he became a grandfather, to his beloved Emilia?
How do you say goodbye?
You say it with a heavy heart and with sadness, but with the knowledge that he made the world a better place just by example.
You say it with love for the years you were lucky enough to have him as a brother, and the knowledge that his suffering is finally over.
Ciao, ciao, carissimo fratello.
May God keep you in his embrace.
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I'm so sorry for your loss. All my heartfelt condolences to you and your family.
Hugs,
Rosa
You don't say goodbye. You hold him near and dear to your heart. You keep him in your mind and your prayers. You talk to him as if he's there. As long as you're alive, so is his memory. I am so sorry for your loss but I am so glad you had such a wonderful brother. I truly believe our loved ones are always with us. He is at peace; he's with the loved ones that went before him. Baci e abbracci!
Linda, I am so sorry for your loss. What a moving post and such lovely pictures of your brother. He sounds like a very special person. Un grande abbraccio, Trisha
I'm so sorry for the physical loss of your brother. You had so many wonderful years together and like Melissa said, as long as you're alive so is he. You are in my prayers.
Carol Luciano
Lucky4750 (at) aol (dot) com
My deepest condolences, Linda. I'm glad you have so many wonderful memories of him to cherish.
You're in my thoughts Linda, I know you've lost so much, too much, but you are still so loved by many and I hope that helps salve the wounds somewhat.
My deepest condolences to you and your entire family on your loss! May Joe rest in peace and happy reunion with all who have gone before him. Your brother was an incredible person and his life will go on in the heart and memory of all who loved him ((( hugs)))
Such wonderful photos! In your case, you say goodbye with a beautiful eloquent sensitive photo essay that declares your love for that big brother who made your life easier. Thank you for sharing it with all of us.
Jan
I am truly sorry for your loss. You and your family will be in my prayers – especially for your brother. May God Bless.
Linda,
So sad to read this….your brother sounds like a wonderful man.
Thinking of you.
xo
My deepest condolences Linda, an unbearable loss. I will keep your family in my thoughts and prayers. A beautiful tribute of love….
I am so sorry for you loss. He will always be your big brother and he will always be watching over you. This was a lovely post about your brother. I will remember you and your family in my prayers.
Linda what a beautiful tribute to your brother, you can just feel the love and strong bond that you shared. I'm so sorry for your loss, what a wonderful man. Take comfort in all those precious memories you have in your heart.
Linda, There are no words to let someone who has lost a loved one know of our empathy. At least by seeing words from your readers, you know of it. The loss of your brother must make your heart ache. This post sent me on a search for what happened to you previously. I have only read your blog for a couple years. I did not know of the immense loss you suffered. You are a survivor. You are also an inspiration. My husband passed away one month ago today. Some days I think I cannot go on. Somehow I do. To know now of your past and to have been reading of your happy present gives me great hope. It is so ironic that sharing your pain could bring such comfort to another, as you have for me. Thank you and God bless you, Pamela
My sincerest sympathies . . . losing a sibling is very difficult. I, too, have lost two older brothers. Good memories are a comfort. Your farewell is eloquent.
What a lovely tribute to your brother. My heart goes out to you. I only have one sibling and can't imagine living without her.
So sorry for your loss. I will say a prayer for you and him.
Oh my dear, my heart goes out to you with the loss of your precious frattello. I have faith that you will meet again and that he will be watching over you every day, along with those who have passed before you. I will keep you in my prayers.
Love,
Roz
My heartfelt condolences to you and your family. From your words about the mas he was, I'm sure he will be watching you from above. You'll never lose him for real, the love you shared will keep you together forever.
I am so sorry for your loss! What a beautiful tribute.
I'm sorry for your loss, it's so very hard to say goodbye. My condolences.
ti rinnovo anche qui le mie condoglianze,io sono figlia unica e avrei sempre desiderato avere una grande famiglia. Tieni vicino al tuo cuore tutti questi bei ricordi, ti abbraccio forte
This brings tears to my eyes, I'm so sorry for your loss. I have 3 brothers (joe Sal and Robert) and a sister (Nellie), myself being the youngest. It would devastate me to lose them at all. I'm so sorry.