Saturday, February 28, 2015

In Loving Memory of Donovan


For the past 5-6 years, since I relocated to America, my brother and I have spoken by telephone nearly every single day, sometimes multiple times in a day, other times, just briefly to check in on each other. Sometimes we would skip a day or two because one or other of us was busy or my phone refused to work (a cantankerous ongoing problem). We left each other messages when we missed each other. Prior to this, the decades I lived and worked overseas, we kept in touch, just not as often due to the ridiculous cost of overseas calls at that time. Often I was working at sea and unreachable. I am blessed to have a stack of handwritten letters from him during those years.

Wednesday morning, I realized he had not returned my last call, so I decided to call him again.

Someone else answered his cell phone.

My heart skipped a beep. I was speechless and confused. What had I done to reach the wrong person?

The awful truth sunk in as the distant words floated around my baffled brain.

My brother was dead.


The last few years we both suffered from complicated medical situations. He was pursuing standard American medical treatments while I chose the lonely path of alternatives. We just always assumed I would be the first to go.

The last few years of his life were spent bouncing around to numerous medical appointments plus being tethered to a painful dialysis machine. While the machine itself is not painful, the needles and catheters rendered his arms a bloody bruised debilitating mess. He suffered through diabetes, renal failure, hepatitis and neuropathy with numerous complications from all.

His spirit remained incredibly strong in spite of the chronic pain and we buoyed each other constantly. Our conversations were rarely about medical issues but rather lofty ideas. My brother could astound me with volumes of information he had gleaned from the thousands upon thousands of books he devoured throughout his life with an insatiable appetite.

He was extremely fond of  his job at GE but was sadly forced into retiring due to changes in health. He remained very busy but as his eyes failed, he had to give up his beloved books. He installed satellite TV and  took up watching numerous educational shows to keep his mind active.

Donovan
1957-2015
Rest In Peace
Born in 57, Died at 57, on the 56th day of this year, a month shy of his 58th birthday.
His Indian name was Bliss Mountain


This is one of my favorite pictures of Donovan. He was fulfilling a passionate dream of his and I was there with him. He wanted this glorious moment captured on film.

Ironically my brother hated having his picture taken and often downright refused saying the picture would steal his soul. Sometimes he would relent or I would catch one of him while he didn't notice. Once in awhile he would eagerly agree to a snapshot and happily pose.  I am blessed to have numerous pictures of him in spite this peculiarity.

Death leaves a heartache no one can heal, love leaves a memory no one can steal.



11 comments:

  1. You have my deepest condolences, thoughts and prayers on the loss of your brother.

    I thoroughly enjoy your musings on your blog - your unconventional (which I love) life, your escapades with Harley and your life and travels in your 94 Tioga.

    My husband and I own a '95 Tioga and my dream is to live full-time on it someday. However, this is not my husband's dream.

    Although this is my first time commenting, I anxiously go to your blog everyday hoping to read about what you and Harley are up to.

    Cindy

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  2. So sorry for the loss of your brother. I lost one of mine in 2000 and not many days go by that I don't think of him.

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  3. So sorry for your loss. I enjoy your blog very much. Hugs to Harley.

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  4. May God hold you in the palm of his hand. I'm glag you have sweet memories. Time never erases memories, they grow sweeter with each passing day.

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  5. Love remains and will ease the pain
    the empty place in your heart will fill with all your memories

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  6. so sorry about your brother.....I remember we were talking about him just last week...you and Harley dog take care....

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  7. Please be strong and remember what a special bond you shared. He will be in your heart forever.

    Hugs,
    Lynn in GA

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  8. I am so sorry to hear of your loss.

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  9. My deepest sympathy. I'm so sorry about your brother.

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  10. I'm so sorry...best to you & Harley, Dear Miss Mermaid.

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