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! 💖🙏