Sunday, January 22, 2012

greg, my brother

I remember as a little girl, going with my dad and a few of my brothers, to the baseball field to watch Greg play little league.
He was good.
Talented.
Was an avid player.
Playing ball meant he was having fun. Simple fun.

I remember when my first child was born, I received a congratulations! card from Greg. Mailed from somewhere.

I remember when I was given an unexpected gift. From Greg.
A gift card.
Which I used to buy a quilt. That I still, to this day, years and years later, cover my sheets with. A quilt covered with birdhouses. Large, colorful birdhouses.
The gift card was a symbol of love. For me.

I remember seeing Greg, once, at a family wedding. He was wearing glasses. Smiling. Looking happy. Happily enjoying the company of his siblings.

I remember the times that Greg would stop by to visit our mom.
Bring her flowers.
Fruit.
And pay for a tree removal.
Not because he had to.
But because he wanted to.
How happy it made my mom feel.

Those loving gestures told me he cared.
Loves his mom. Always has. No matter what.

I remember Greg's birthday.
Today.
And hope he knows I think about him.
Often.

18 comments:

  1. OH, this is such a lovely, loving post. Happy Birthday, Greg.

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  2. Ah, that was a nice tribute to a birthday for your brother d~!!

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    1. thanks, november. i think he'd like it... though he may not see it....

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  3. Oh, my heart is feelin this post, my brother is mentally ill and has gone off by himself at the moment...which is good for Mum and Dad(he was home with them for 5yrs), but I cant help worry a bit...thats the big sis in me. I get a random txt now and then and our Sister did see him over Xmas...so no news is good news :)

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    1. it's hard to think about sometimes, jen... but i do know that my brother is in regular contact with my other brothers.... so i know greg is fine. living life his way.

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  4. I love your posts Daphne! I can always feel your emotions... All of them, especially the love and joy. Love and smiles to you.
    ~Sandra

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    1. thanks sandy.
      i appreciate the fact you take the time to read. as you know i am not much of a talker, so i guess i let it all spill out here. :D

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  5. Happy Birthday Greg!
    Sandra and Stephan

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  6. Happy Birthday to your brother

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    1. ah, thanks, caise. i am sure he would be happy to hear the greeting. :D

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  7. Oh Daphne this one of the most moving posts. I hope he is ok too and I am sure he is thinking of you too.
    www.thoughtsofpaps.com

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    1. why thank you, paps. my brother is a good person, always has been despite his struggles.

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  8. Happy birthday Greg! Mental illness is so incredibly difficult. It's wonderful to focus on the positive. I hope he is having a wonderful day full of love where ever he may be.

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    1. :D heather.
      for me, positive is the way to think. it's truly how i approach my life. so much easier than dwelling on all the bad stuff. thanks for the nice words.

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