Yesterday was the one year anniversary of my brother’s death.
I thought about keeping quiet on the topic. I didn’t want to be maudlin, or moody (moreso than normal) or you know, all sad and stuff… Because, as you know, my normal gig doesn’t really go in that direction. My normal gig is episodes about Escape from the Planet of the Toddlers shenanigans. And I like it that way.
The shenanigans are no longer a mask. They used to be, kind of. A few years back my fall back behavior was frazzled hilarity, and underneath I was a big soaking mess of despair and addiction.
So off the mask came and thus, every once in a while, I post Sad and Thoughtful Things.
I would give almost anything to hear my brother answer the phone at Dad’s work, like he used to do, and how he would then slip into some sort of sarcastic schpeel as soon as he realized it was his little sister.
Anything. Anything. I miss him so much.
Well, not anything.
I won’t give him my life. He gave up on his. I won’t.
I won’t give up my marriage. My children. He was divorced. He had no children. I won’t give up mine.
I won’t drink today. He drank every damn day. I won’t. I won’t give in to that.
That, I am sure, is how Chris would want it.
God is bigger than all of this. And I am so glad. Because I’m not. I don’t understand it or like it at all. There are many, MANY days when a nice, cold glass of wine at the end of a long day sounds SO nice, and sometimes, it all seems just so unfair.
Maybe so. I think I kind of used up my fairness card a long time ago. And God loves me like crazy, even though I am a tangled mess. And THAT, I am pretty sure, is not fair at all, to Him.
He doesn’t mind.
Dana Bowman 
Emotions have a way of creeping up on you so it’s good to let them out. You and your family will be fine. No testimony without a test. Own your story and live beautifully, you will inspire many lives.
Thank you. 🙂
You are most welcome!!!!
I’m sorry for your loss. I wanted to comment as I lost both my brothers to alcoholism, directly or indirectly. April 2012 and March 2013. It has only just occurred to me to not drink. At least for 100 days. Maybe longer. There are lots of good reasons not to. Very few, if any, in favor.
Yep. I agree. At least for me… it seemed that I had the very same issues my brother had and it is rather terrifying.
I’m so sorry for your loss…
Oh thank you. I am surprised by how it seems still, like yesterday. That’s ok. Thank you for reading.
I am so sorry for this loss and the pain that comes with the anniversary. Words are not sufficient here–but know that you just got prayed for.
Bless your heart. I am so glad I have you as a friend whom I have never met in person but still is a dear friend to me! 🙂
Seeing these other facets of you just makes us, your readers, appreciate you even more. Knowing that life is livable (and even laughable) after such an excruciating loss is a testimony indeed. It’s always good to be reminded that His grace IS indeed sufficient. And that “fair” thing…Him (the just) dying for us (the unjust) is the most unfair thing ever, but I am so grateful! Congrats on your continued sobriety and condolences, sincere condolences, on the loss of your cherished brother. Thank you for sharing this.
Thank you so much.
Beautifully written. I haven’t lost a close family member so I can’t empathize. I can hear how much you miss him and how strong you are being for you and your family through the struggle.
I am sorta strong… but mainly just really really weak so He can be. 🙂