On Monday, July 13th, my brother Tim passed away. He died suddenly, and without warning.
I had just spoken to him a week before. He was happy, excited about the future, and looking forward to spending July 4th with our mom, watching fireworks together. It was my mom who discovered he was dead, in his bed, early Monday morning.
Even though we lived far away (I’m in California, and Tim and my mom lived together in Ohio), Tim and I were close. He and I had recently spent a lot of time lambasting current politics, talking about work and life in general. He was a smart guy, but more than that, he had a heart of gold.
Tim owned and operated a landscaping business that he started almost 30 years ago. He worked his ass off for that company. Sometimes that meant we had to take a back seat. But that was his life.
My wife and I flew back the next day and helped my mom lay Tim to rest. I’m still in shock over it. Tim and I were supposed to grow old together. He would always say that once he retired (always “next year”), and once mom had passed, he would come to California to start a new chapter. We were supposed to grow old together.
Tim, I miss you, Bro. I miss your keen sense of humor and your smile and laugh. I’ll miss talking politics and sharing our lives with one another. You gave up a lot to take care of mom, putting your life on hold to make sure she was safe and cared for. I can never thank you enough for all you’ve done. I will miss you terribly until I see you again in heaven.
At Tim’s wake, all of the people who worked for Tim, and their families, all said the same about Tim: he was unselfish, caring, supportive…and he had a heart of gold.
Godspeed, my little brother…to the arms of Jesus.
I miss you.
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Tim’s memorial site is here.
