I don’t know what greeted me first, your red hair or your smile.

My walk today, full of spring, was my remembrance to and of you. The pictures of our childhood are boxed up, ready for our move.  It’s almost like a shadow of memories stored away for another time.  You were like a big brother at a distance back then.  Our houses separated by a caliche road.

Our adventures on 2nd Street with all of us sporting jean shorts, no shirt, and no shoes, me included, involved bicycles and dirt.  You and your big brother and all your rowdy friends, I never could keep up.  On occasion, you would look back or check on me but always doing it without them being aware.  Softy.  It dripped from you.  You can see it in the pictures with your beautiful wife, children, grandchildren and friends.

The last exchange we shared, just recent, was brief but essential in my acquiescing your departure on this earth.  A warm hug, pleasant sundries, but full of genuine engagement.  The cadence of your laugh was endearing and is enduring.