…Do you think you can come?” (Sunday is spiritual day.)
It was to be at one of the older cemeteries in Grand Rapids, MI. So old that there isn’t even a gate. Just a caring grounds keeper couple who have been there for many years.
The gent whose service it was to be is someone I’ve known for most of my life. He decided early on that the standard American life was not for him. He was an artist, a social renegade whose motto from his early 30’s was, “I don’t want anyone telling me what to do.”
And no one did. He lived outside society’s bounds for more than 25 years, sleeping outdoors year round – wintering in Florida and summering in Michigan where he grew up. He knew the best outdoor sleeping places in the country. He biked to most, bussed to others.
He loved gardening, landscaping, animals, the earth itself, and nursed and cared for anything that grew out of the earth. He was an extraordinary artist. Some said he was kind of weird living the way he did.
He died camping in the Florida everglades recently, while sleeping in his beloved outdoors.
He trusted and loved one person most in his life – his Dad.
The cemetery grounds keeper who arranged the service for this July 17, related how this particular gent had visited the cemetery many times over the years, to visit his father’s grave.
He didn’t just visit and leave like most people do. “He slept there at night,” said the groundskeeper, “right beside his dad’s headstone, on many nights.”
He is now buried beside the #1 person in his life.
I cannot get the picture of him sleeping next to his Dad’s grave at night out of my mind.
He was my brother.
Kim,
My heartfelt condolences to you.
Walter
Kim this was so touching. I know nobody will be able to read this without a (or many) tear in their eye.
I also have a mental picture of your brother sleeping next to your dad’s grave.
Your brother was one of few who knew who they really are and went with it. He had something in his heart and soul way more powerful guiding him than most of us do.
You and your family are in my heart, thoughts and prayers.
Robin
Kim,
My sympathies to you and your family.
Thank you for sharing this most personal story with us.
Erin
Hi Kim…I lost my brother, too, so I can empathize. He had been in a coma for more than 2 years after sustaining head injuries from a car crash. He died in his late 30s & left behind 3 young children.
Your brother was truly unique and marched to his own drum. He certainly was a sensitive soul and had a deep respect & reverence for nature. His love & loyalty to the man that gave him life is touching & admirable. Your brother left behind a good name for himself. Isn’t that something we all want to do?
Thanks for sharing your sorrow with us, Kim. You have my condolences.
Warmest Regards, Karen
Kim, that was a beautiful tribute to your brother. You must have loved him very much. My sincerest condolences.
Ilka
Thanks Kim,
…for sharing your beautiful and inspiring brother with us.
Mary Nolan
Wow – it doesn’t get any more real than that. Kim – you really open your heart and soul for everyone to see and feel.
Your brother sounds like an amazing fellow, who stayed true to his unique set of convictions and independently made his way through life. The world is a smaller place for his passing.
My sincere condolences to you and your family.
James Templeton
Dear Kim,
So touching, this tale of your brother’s life, how he lived it, what was important to him, how much his Dad meant to him, and how much he meant to you.
I opened the link expecting another business tip or program and was so deeply moved by your sharing of this most personal event.
May the memories of your brother’s laugh, his smile, his life, soften your sorrow.
When possible, if you wish to, could you share some of his art with us?
Terry
What a wonderful tribute to your brother. He must have been very creative, sensitive, genuine, and knowing you I’m sure had a amazing mind. He was your brother and nothing can take away that special bond you shared with him.
You did him proud.
Vicky
My sympathy to you and your famiy, Kim. It is so touching to hear your story. I know God can comfort you like no one else can. I will be praying for you.
Nancy Carlson
perfectmombusiness.com
Dear Kim,
I am deeply sorry for your lost, my sincere condolences. I know that any word at this moment doesn’t mean much but remember your brother as he lived his live and as he loved your father and you.
I will pray for your family and you.
May he rest in peace,
Edgard
Kim,
Your tribute to your brother is from your heart and I thank you for sharing your feelings. You are more than an intelligent, effective teacher, you are a real person.
My condolences to you and your family.
Judy
Dear Kim,
Corie and I send our condolences to you on the passing of your brother. Your words were wonderfully haunting much like the music of Sarah Brightman and Andrea Bocelli’s beautiful rendition of “Time to Say Goodbye.”
The tribute to your brother was moving, powerful and lingers on in the mind, wanting to know more about him. He lived life on his own terms much like a modern day Henry David Thoreau and to do that is an ennobling virtue. Warm regards, David from UptownNaturals.
Kim,
You are in my heart and prayers. To be remembered with such love says it all.
Laura
Kim,
Please accept my condolences on the loss of your brother. May God comfort you in your time of sorrow.
Much Love,
Michele Curtin
Ahh. Thank you for sharing so poignantly.
Dear Kim == Having just sent my greatest praises for you and your work, now I'm sending you my most sincere condolences and prayers for your strength to weather this great sorrow. I lost my sister in January – the first person really close to me, so my empathy is from the heart.
My love to you, and strength and sourage, Ann Carter