5 years gone by already Carl. Funny how the years fly by when you think of that against a loved one. Sounds like he was a good role model for you Carl. He did a good job.

Losing somebody so close is really difficult. The pain subsides but never fully goes away. Carl, you have spoken well of your brother and his influence on your life. You are honoring him by remembering him and appreciating all the ways he influenced you.

I know I would be devastated to lose my older brother. My father had been through many things in his life (like WWII) and was always stoic, but I had never seen him as shaken as when he came back to the car after seeing his older brother alive for what would turn out to be the last time. That was way back in 1966. Now they are together in a better place...

You make a good point Carl. When I lost my dad I was surprised that rather than being stuck in sorrow, I actually found myself smiling when I thought back to all the times we had, and how grateful I am for the times we had. He gave so much of himself and I realize I was a lucky recipient. Really.