On that day, I lost my brother at 52 years of age. We shared a bedroom growing up. We both went to VT and actually decided to share an apartment together for two years. We fought like two brothers would, but my brother always knew when he got into a bind he just needed to call his little brother to help clean up his mess. No questions asked.

Once we went our separate ways after college, we never called each other. We would only see each other one or two times a year at family holidays and events. Once the event was over, little brother always had more than enough alcohol in his car so we could drink to the wee hours of the morning and at times the sun was just about to come up as we went to bed. I always thought when we both retired we would spend more time together. That was not in God’s plan for us. Thus, I regret that we did not spend more time on the phone or seeing each other.

Do not be sad for me. My brother and I want you to be happy that we were able to have a special bond.

My brother and I do want you today to call a parent, child, sibling, grandparent, niece\nephew, aunt\uncle or just a damn good friend because we do not want you to regret not having more phone calls once that loved one is gone.

Please make time today for that call you have been putting off before it is too late.