“Little brother” Chapter 44

Recently my daughter asked me about some of my favorite childhood memories. Looking back, I would have to say that I loved being a little brother.  It wasn’t just the fun times, it was also the times they taught me through their actions. I didn’t grow up running behind an older brother all my life, but the years I did were special. I mentioned in previous posts that I lived with several families through my childhood, so this is a story of three of my brothers.

Jeff (Adventurous)

It’s my opinion, Jeff has always been addicted to going fast. Ever since I can remember, he wanted to go fast . He was fast at running, roller skating, biking, and when he was old enough, anything with a motor. He’s always loved the adventure of it.

My first memories were around the ages of 6-8. When we lived on Ashland Street in New Rochelle, NY, I had a big wheel and my friends and I would go to the top of the hill and race down it as fast as we could. We had no fear. I guess you can say we were the OG Fear Factor. My brothers and his friends would have us younger kids lay on the ground side by side and they would jump us on their bikes.

Years later when I was on leave from the Army, we were at his favorite restaurant/bar talking shit when I told him I could beat him in a foot race. Jeff was known to be the fastest runner around. So we went outside and raced. When one of his friends said go we both took off fast, but he slipped and fell. After the race he conceded, but in the back of my mind I think he gave it to his little brother. NOT! I kicked his ass.

Over the years, he’s shown me how to appreciate a little adventure and having fun in life. This could be the reason why I love driving fast on the autobahn, skydiving, bungee jumping and more.

Frank (Strength)

Frank is my foster brother who I lived with for two years.  At our home we had a mini farm with chickens, ducks, pigs, goats, cats, dogs, and a horse. When the animals were of age, they went to the slaughter house. I remember dad driving off with live animals and a few days later we received white packages of meat. The chickens we would kill on our own. Frank would chop off the head as I held the feet. The chickens would flap around for a bit so I had to hold on tight. The first few times I got scared and would let them go, and then Frank and I would have to chase the headless chicken around and catch it. If we just let it bounce around until it died it would bruise the meat and dad would get mad, but Frank would take the blame.

Frank was always mentally and physically strong. High school wrestling champion, Soldier, father and grandfather. Our dad would give us rides in the scoop of the tractor and would shake it to see if we could hang on. I always fell out but Frank would wedge himself in and hang on. Dad would shake it hard but Frank never fell out. I know what you are thinking, “that’s dangerous." But what can I say? It was the 70’s. We didn’t wear seatbelts and we rode in the back of pickup trucks as well . I also remember how he would climb trees that didn't have branches. He would wrap his arms and legs around the tree and go right up. To this day, if I tried that, I would fall flat on my ass. Now with ALS, I fall on my ass standing up. LOL

We were only together two years and got into a lot things together but he always protected me and demonstrated strength. I always looked up to him and through the years laugh at our time together.

Ron (Courageous)

When I moved to live with my mom I was the only child in the house. For years there wasn’t an older brother to get into trouble with. I was in ninth grade when I met Ron. He was in eleventh grade and lived around the corner, so we walked the same way to school. One day we started walking to school together and became friends. Ron was more than a friend, he was also my brother.

Over the years Ron and I did many things together. We joined a gym and got solid like a rock. Barbizon School for Modeling - “where you can become a model or just look like one." We worked together at a nursing home during the week and hit the clubs on the weekends.

However, through all the years and all the fun, I will always remember Ron for how courageous he was. Ron fought cancer all his life. His first fight was as a child before we met. Over his lifetime he faced cancer head on three more times before losing his final battle in 2018. I was blessed to spend the last night with him and prayed over him before he passed the next day.

I believe Ron’s biggest fight was not with cancer but as a gay NYPD Officer in the 80’s through 00’s. Being a police officer takes a lot of courage no matter what, but being gay is another level. Ron would tell me stories about gay cops calling for backup and no one showing up, so he had to live two lives. After he retired he faced his next challenge head on and came out.

I’ve always been in awe of his courage. The cowardly lion has nothing on Ron.

Living with ALS, you have to enjoy every day and each adventures you are given. Have the strength to fight through every challenge and have the courage to face the Grim Reaper face to face... then hand him a FCK ALS sticker.

I don’t see my brothers every day, but the years I had running behind them and watching them through the years has made a great impact on my life, and for that I am grateful. Dorothy had the lion, tin man and the scarecrow teaching her life lessons, and I had my brothers.

Love and blessings