National Sibling Day(s)

Me and my little brother.

It's another one of those "days" where some aspect of the human existence is highlighted, cherished, remembered, and proclaimed.  The mention of the day does take me back to the old days when Mom was still alive and Mark (my brother) and I fought, argued, but cared deeply about one another.  He's a good man today, a little quirky but he's got the same big heart that he was known for during our childhood.

After I left home and later joined the Navy, we sort of lost contact for quite some time and for that, I feel pretty guilty.  A lot happened to him during my absence and as I look back, were I to have been there, his life path would have been different, and I probably would have ended up in prison.  He had been wronged by a number of people, including family members whom I believe will pay a price for how they treated the lad.

Today, he lives in Vancouver, WA and I hope to see him again and hug his neck.  I abhor where he is in his life today, even though he says he's comfortable.  I love that kid.

Me and my "brother," Wayne.

The "National Sibling Day" brings to recollection by cousin, Wayne.  He and I were always hanging out together, causing trouble.  He was really more like a brother to me than he was a cousin.  Wayne had a great sense of humor, was always up for fun and something different.  I can remember vividly how he would call me about some of the punks in his neighborhood giving him grief, and I would end up over at his place, silencing the bullies on his behalf. 

He was really my best friend whose smile and laugh could light up a room.  After I joined the Navy, I changed home ports and moved to San Diego, he and his wife Jodi continued their relationship and had two awesome boys.  Somewhere along the line, Wayne dove into alcohol, some drugs, and it eventually killed him.  You see, consuming lots of alcohol while being diabetic will only serve to kill you.   I miss him and I feel guilty for not being there for him during the tough times.  Even so, the memories of our relationship will last forever and I am hopeful to see him again someday. 

Even if we don't have biological siblings, there are those who so greatly impact our lives that the mere thought of them makes us smile.  We have them in our lives from our youth, and we do today.  Look around you and consider the great number of friends you have whom you adore and smile.  Let someone know that you appreciate them, that they mean something to you that transcends mere friendship. 

Trust me, if you don't do it right now, today, you may live to regret it and only wish that you would have.

Of course, this is just my opinion and I could be wrong, but I seriously doubt it.

Gorilla