Sibling: noun. each of two or more children or offspring having one or both parents in common; a brother or sister.
Michael was a childhood love. He was bright blue eyes and an infectious laugh. He was a gentle hug and plenty of mischief.
Michael was a childhood love. He was a game of lava on our swing set, an old school Nintendo teammate in the living room, and a playful “You’re going down” at the start of a Mario Kart race.
Michael was a childhood love. He was my camping companion, a fish in the water, and a “Let me put that worm on the hook for you.”
Michael was a childhood love. He was a cruise in my ’93 Buick, a simultaneous eye roll at mom and dad, and a competitive game of Scrabble.
Michael was a childhood love. He was an annoying little brother yet a sincere apology when he did me wrong.
Michael was a childhood love. He was a piece of my heart and a reoccurring worry in my mind. His love was fierce and his life was hard.
On November 12th, I experienced the loss of my one and only sibling. I lost my brother – my childhood favorite. While I cannot recreate that same joy, I hold it in my heart, right next to my sorrow.
I’m joining an open community of writers over at Sharing Our Stories: Magic in a Blog. If you write (or want to write) just for the magic of it, consider this your invitation to join us. #sosmagic
Melissa, what beautiful writing about your brother. Such precious memories. I’m so sorry you lost him.
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Thank you, Loralee.
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Oh, Melissa. What beautiful memories of an unbelievable brother. Thank you for sharing your heart and pieces of your life with him. I am so sorry.
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Thank you, Tammy.
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Such a heart-wrenching, lyrical tribute to your little brother – who clearly loved you, too. How vivid thr memories are here – this line crowning it all : “While I cannot recreate that same joy, I hold it in my heart, right next to my sorrow” – again testimony to the power of love, that these emotions can coexist side by side. Your refrain of “Michael was a childhood love” – deeply moving. I am so very sorry for your loss. Strength to you.
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Thank you, Fran.
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I read the heartbreak within your words. I am so sorry. This is beautiful.
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Thank you, Elsie.
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Such a beautiful, heartfelt post Melissa.
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Thank you, Lisi.
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I am so very sorry for your loss. The love between you was so clear and beautiful. This line captures that particular grief so well: “While I cannot recreate that same joy, I hold it in my heart, right next to my sorrow.” Thank you for sharing your memories of him.
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Thank you, Julie.
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I am sorry for your loss. You write beautifully about the love. Your writing touched my heart.
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Thank you, Terje.
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Melissa – You made me cry – your emotions come right out of the page – as does the unconditional LOVE for your brother. Wishing you continued fond memories and healing.
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Thank you so much.
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Yes, you had me crying…I’m so sorry. Last week I lost my best friend from college…suddenly. I’m grieving, in shock, writing, rewriting, rewriting. I love your reflection. I am so sorry. BTW Nov. 12 is my birthday…my mom went to heaven that day… so hard,so sad, but also happy. Thank you for your writing. XO
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Thank you for reading and sharing your own story. I am sorry to hear you are navigating your own grief. I hope you will find comfort in your memories and loved ones offering support.
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Melissa,
You are brave to write so soon after the loss. The writing is beautiful and I hope you keep putting words on the page about Michael. I’m thinking about the fragility and strength that happens when a heart can hold both deep love and raw sorrow.
hugs,
ruth
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Thank you, Ruth. ❤️
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