It was April, 1967.  I was in my mid-teens, the oldest of six in my family.  The number of siblings had just gone up to six with the birth of my youngest brother, Tim.

Then, 11 months later, I watched as Tim nearly died of a serious condition that doctors caught just in time.  We were thankful he survived.

I will remember the energetic little boy that enjoyed other people so much.  He kept that special talent of connecting with other human beings the rest of his life.

In adulthood, Tim wrestled with a condition not often diagnosed or treated at that time – depression.  His bout with depression led to other challenges that made life difficult for himself and many around him for a long time.

Tim was able to get his life back together, largely due to his wife Shelly.  He formed a close relationship to his step-grandchildren and life had meaning for him.

He had straightened-out his life the past ten years and things were better.  Unfortunately, his overall health did not get better.

Tim had struggled with constant health challenges over the past few months.  He was not  well.

Then I got a call early September 1st.  My brother Tony told me the hospital staff urged those close to him to come now.  Tim didn’t have much time to live.

I was there standing next to Tim when he left this world.  All I could think about was 1967, I visited him shortly after he was born.  Now I am here with him as he passes from this world.

It is hard to lose a sibling, but when you are the oldest brother in a large family, it is even more difficult.  I saw Tim grow up.  I sat with him when he had asthma attacks and it was not a given he would take the next breath.

The world lost a special soul September 1st.  It has not been easy for me to process this.

I went to a high school football game the evening of September 1st hoping to get my mind away from all this.  I lasted until halftime.  The events of the day had robbed me of any remaining energy.

Tim made it clear to Shelly he wanted no traditional funeral or calling.  He asked to have his remains cremated and his ashes spread over a place special to he and Shelly.  Tim did ask we have a family party in his honor, a celebration of his life in the Irish tradition.  That will happen, as he asked.

I will miss my youngest brother.  It remains hard to image living in a world without him.  But I do believe he is in a much better place now, with his parents and many other special people.

I appreciate you allowing me a point of personal privilege in this post.  It is not about Fishers or news.  I thank you for reading about my brother Tim.

I haven’t posted about local news lately and may take just a few days away from blogging, but I will be back soon.