Another Year passed, and Another Step Further to Rejoin!

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Behind the smile, there’s danger and a promise to be told
You’ll never get old
Life’s fantasy, to be locked away
And still, to think you’re free, you’re free, we’re free…
“Die Young” Ronnie James Dio; Black Sabbath

Today is once again my brother Al’s anniversary, and I am lucky this is on Wednesday, so I have the chance to write a few words about our memories.
I have often said I feel my brother Al’s presence with me all the time, but it is somehow extra emotional when the time of his farewell comes back again and again. For example, these last ten days, I could remember his last days in the hospital as I could stay with him till the end.

I spent a lot of time trying to find new pictures of him because I don’t like to repeat myself! During this search, memories of the past came rushing into my head like a raging sea from a storm, overwhelming my whole mind and soul and warming my heart by those loving times, as memories linger forever.

Time it was
And what a time it was
It was . . .
A time of innocence
A time of confidences
Long ago . . . it must be . . .
I have a photograph
Preserve your memories
They’re all that’s left you
Simon & Garfunkel, Old Friends from Bookends

At the peak, I selected some verses from Ronnie James Dio’s “Die Young” because Al died “young” at fifty-four, even though the lyrics encourage living for the present and dying young! Both of us (probably Al more so) adored Dio’s songs, especially his voice and lyrics. Ronnie had been battling cancer when Al and I attended one of his final concerts, and we never knew that Al would pass away before him!

Here is another Al’s loving person, Rumi, who tell the right words:

“ON THE DAY I DIE
On the day I die, when I’m being carried
toward the grave, don’t weep. Don’t say,
He’s gone! He’s gone. Death has nothing to do with going away. The sun sets and the moon sets, but they’re not gone.
Death is a coming together.
The tomb looks like a prison, but it’s really
release into the union.
The human seed goes down into the ground like a bucket into
the well where Joseph is.
It grows and comes up full of some unimagined beauty.
Your mouth closes here and immediately
opens with a shout of joy there.

Thank you for staying with me! 💖🙏

30 thoughts on “Another Year passed, and Another Step Further to Rejoin!”

  1. niasunset's avatar niasunset

    Beautiful tribute for your brother. Rest in Peace… Actually they don’t die, they start to live with us in our hearts and memories… Life is at the end a memory from all of us… I am sorry for your loss, every death is early for us. Love, nia

    Liked by 1 person

  4. Aladin, this is a beautiful, heartfelt tribute to your beloved brother, Al. I can’t help thinking how special it must feel for you this year as you move towards your big, milestone birthday. The quotes, lyrics, photos and your own words are deeply moving. Sending love and light across the seas between us, Deborah. ❤️🥰❤️

    Liked by 1 person

  7. A beautiful tribute to your brother Aladin – photographs are so important in helping us remember those special moments in our lives and help us to hold those precious people even closer. With love and light.

    Liked by 1 person

    • I hear an expert speaking. 🥰 Honestly, he didn’t like to be caught by camera. Therefore, I had to search in any corner to find something good to show him who and how he was. I even worked with them to delete unwanted parts!😉😅. Thank you always for your excellent eyes and inside knowledge. 🙏💖💥🌹

      Liked by 1 person

  9. Condolences dear Aladin!

    How fortunate you had (still have in a way ) a brother you loved, and enjoyed things with in life. I wish you would have had more time together.

    This is a lovely memorial and tribute.

    I see clearly he lives on in your spirit.

    🌹xoxoxo

    Liked by 1 person

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