memories

I have so many memories floating around in my mind. I always do, but even more so tonight. Jack and I have been looking through pictures and memorabilia from my brother Tom's life. Yesterday, Tom's widow, Ann, dropped off  at our house 7 boxes full of memories. Ann has remarried, as I know Tom would have wanted her to, and I think it must be awkward to have boxes full of Tom's things in her new home.

We are happy to have these boxes, even though going through them brings back some very strong emotions.

I loved my brother so much. I love my siblings. We were blessed to be raised by parents who loved us all, not one more than the other (though we always complained that Tom, as the only boy, received special treatment...) Tom loved us all so much. As we went through some of the boxes tonight, I was struck by all of the sentimental things he kept. A depth chart from Wayne's sophomore football team, heat sheets from one of Sally's swim meets, pictures, notes and newspaper articles of Arne, Dane and Kjell. A very touching note from my mom on his 50th birthday. Little did we know what the next five years would hold for Tom. Shaking my head. 

And Tom handled it like a man. Faced it with courage, good humor and trust in our justice system and in the people he loved.

Such a loss.

As Jack has said, Tom's life had high highs and low lows. 

Love you so much, Tommykins.