'Til We Meet Again

 

My brother passed away this week. Robert Michael Peterson, or better known as Bobby, has moved on from this mortal life and we are left behind to grieve.  I'm not sure what is more difficult, losing my brother or watching my parents' hearts aching. 

Having an older brother is a gift, one that I am so grateful my girls get to experience.  My brother was just the kind of brother a girl needs in a pickle.  I knew even though I was at times a thorn in his side, if I needed anything he would be there.  Upon returning home in tears from grade school one day, my brother insisted I tell him about my plight.  I told him that on the bus home two boys were picking on me.  He told me not to worry about it.  What he really meant was that the next day he, as a junior high student, would stay after school and ride the bus home with me.  He sat right across from my harassers.  Let's just say the tables were turned and those boys never spoke an unkind word to me again.

Bobby was humble (I'm sure he still is).  He is unassuming, the kind of man that will not talk himself up even when he has something legitimate to brag about.  I believe he lived by the motto "judge not lest ye be judged."  Bob's the kind of guy you can shoot the breeze with.  Though private and modest, he is the kind of guy you want as a pal.  He is funny (really funny) and quick to take in a good joke.  He never spoke my name in a normal tone.  I'm not sure why, but it was never "hi Jill", it was "heey Jillyyyannnn". It always made me laugh and reminded me that I am in fact the little sister and to him that is how I would stay.

Something I love about my brother is that he never forgot about my dreams.  It's so funny, but almost every time we got together he would remind me that once upon a time I wanted to be a news anchor.  He would remind me that I am in fact not too old to follow my dreams and that he would assist me.  He wanted to help me make a demo to send to local news stations. He hated the idea that I wasn't fulfilling my dream.  He was so convincing.  I almost dusted off my old mission suit, and lights camera action we're live! He loved a good success story, people following their dreams and succeeding.  My brother followed his own dream of owning his own  trucking company and being his own boss.  I really look up to my brother for having the guts to pursue his dream. 

Truth be told, I have regrets, but it's not that I didn't become a news anchor, it's that I didn't call my brother every time I had a funny story or just to shoot the breeze more.  I know my brother doesn't begrudge me, he's just not that type of guy, but I want my brother to know that not only do I love him, but I truly admire him too.  Bobby, I admire you and I hope you can look at the joy you brought to our lives and take some time to admire yourself. 

Robert Michael is gone for a time, but I know that we will see him again and I can almost bet that he will greet us with a joke and for me a "well hey Jillyannnn".  Bobby, we love you and no amount of time will change that.  Dearest brother, God be with you until we meet again.