This is my brother Nathan. He holds a very special part of my life. Last week he got really sick. Without giving you too many details, he had contracted bacterial meningitis. It was so far gone that he suffered severe brain damage. My beloved brother passed away yesterday morning.
Nathan has always been there. He had special needs, so he lived with my parents. When everyone had left home, it was just me and him. That was the time I really bonded with him. He had the greatest smile. He loved everyone. He knew who his family was and really cherished them. Nathan taught me so many things. He taught me patience. He taught me that no matter who you are, no matter what your challenges are, there is good there. Nathan had limited abilities, but he really was a special spirit. He glowed sometimes.
Nathan did things over and over again. He would sneak up on you and yell "BOO!" He'd laugh so hard if he scared you. He would get his $5 from Dad, then walk down to the corner market and buy a soda. When he would leave the house, or when you left, he would proclaim "See you later, alligator!" You must then answer "After awhile, crocodile." He would not leave until you answered him. He would give me hugs and kisses on my cheek every time I went over. He wanted to build a time machine. He loved to watch movies, especially Star Wars, Star Trek, The Time Machine, and Doctor Who.
It's hard to believe he's really gone. I've run the whole gamut of feelings and just kind of settled on hurt. I just hurt. I ache. There's a spot in my heart that is now gone. It's in times like these I'm so grateful for the gospel. I'm grateful for the knowledge that I will see him again. Through the power of sealing, he is my brother for forever. I know that he is with my grandparents. He has shaken off this mortal coil and is free from the many things that held him down in this life. I will see him again someday.
Nathan, goodbye. I love you. You were a wonderful brother. You still are.
4 comments:
We're praying for you and your family, and I'm grateful that you took the time here to share about the wonderful person he is.
Oh Becca, that is really sad to hear! I'll be praying for you and your family. I'll miss Nathan yelling boo! at me whenever I went up there. What a special guy he was!
This made me cry. What a special brother you had. I'm so sorry that you have to experience this hurt at this time. But, you are right; this is not the end! You will see him again! My prayers are with you sweet Becca.
Becca ~
I am sure that he felt the same way about you as you did about him. He is probably smiling down on you thinking that you are pretty special ~ and he'd be right!
Love ya,
Natalie
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