Two men born just over a year apart. They were mischievous little terrors as children but with guidance of amazing parents became two of the most incredible men I have ever met. Each with their own life trials during their 60 years on this earth but brothers, to the end.

As we prepared for Tony’s funeral, Tim and his wife, my loving sister in-law Peggy traveled from Arizona to stay with me for the week. They had been here a few weeks prior when Tony first went on the ventilator. I saw them very little because I didn’t want to leave Tony. They understood and wanted me to be with him. With lockdowns, no one was able to go to the hospital to see Tony except me. My heart broke for Tim. He wanted to be there for his big brother. To hug him, hold his hand and tell Tony what he meant to him. It breaks my heart even now that he was not allowed to say goodbye to his big brother.

These two men were as different as anyone can be but in the same breath so much the same. They stand the same, sit, hold their arms in the same positions when they sit, cross their legs across their knees, they chew their cheeks the same way, they laugh at the same things, they love working with their hands and they both have GIANT hearts.

Our 5 year old grandson who had only seen his uncle Tim one time the year before, locked eyes on him and within minutes of their arrival climbed into his arms. He was awe struck at the resemblance to his papa. He kept rubbing Tim’s face, getting as close as possible as if he wanted to climb inside him to see if this was his papa. He did the same with Tony. Always wanted to be as close to as he could possibly be. I felt the Lord beginning to heal both of their hearts just a little.

Father, Thank you for Tony’s brother, my brother, Tim. I know the loss of Tony has been devastating to him. Thank you for using him to help Henry. Please heal his heart and draw him close to You. Reveal Yourself to him in ways that show him without a doubt, you exist. Grow his faith. comfort him, lift his heart, encourage him just as You did Tony. Amen

Babe, You left us with such big holes in our hearts. I hope the Lord lets you watch over us, pray for us, and know our love for you. We all miss you so much.