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What today would have been.....


As most who read this know, I enjoy birthdays. Your birthday is your personal holiday. Today would have been my brother Richard's 50th birthday.

I think we would have gone to the nursing home with a cake, ice cream, pop, and some presents, probably books, some DVD's and a hand held game.

Ricky was the same way with birthdays. He knew when everybody's birthday was and their ages. This included all of his nieces, nephews, and my three grandchildren. He would call us up on our birthdays and sing "Happy Birthday." If he could afford it he would have one of us pick him up so he could buy presents. Or if he won something playing bingo, he would give it as a gift.

To those new to this blog, Ricky passed away March 4 of this year. Kathy and I were his guardians, as I had promised my mother before she died in 2004 that we would take care of him. He had been unable to walk the last 20 years of his life and his mental capacity had dimished due to seizure activity.

He was a character and he lives on through our memories of things he had said and done.

Also to those new to here: I wrote several posts about Ricky and his life in March.
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Comments

Anonymous said…
I am sorry you lost your brother so young. I am glad he still lives on happily in your heart and you can celebrate his life and his love.
September 18, 2008 2:19 AM
Pat Jenkins said…
happy birthday ricky!!!
September 18, 2008 7:28 AM
Anonymous said…
Ricky was fortunate to have a brother like you!
September 18, 2008 9:27 AM
Connie said…
This is a very touching tribute to your brother, Cliff. I'm sorry to hear that he passed at such a young age. You are lucky to have some very wonderful memories of happy times with him that help you keep his spirit with you. Thank you for sharing them.
September 18, 2008 10:17 AM
Anonymous said…
Yes, so sad, but what a wonderful brother. I can't say that either of my brothers remember MY birthday or any of my children!

Just the same, cherish the memories.

Bella
September 18, 2008 1:37 PM
Anonymous said…
So glad that you have such wonderful memories,I know that you miss him but he still lives on in your life
frasypoo
September 18, 2008 3:17 PM
Melanie said…
Happy Birthday...you are a very sweet brother. He died very young. My father passed away March 2006 at 53...I miss him.
September 18, 2008 4:15 PM
Anonymous said…
Cliff...a few things. I'm happy Mrs. WIXY is getting better.

Secondly, I wish you the best in looking for a new car.

Lastly, Your post is a great tribute to your brother. We all should have brothers that loving that caring.
September 18, 2008 4:31 PM
Jen said…
Happy 50th to Ricky! You are a great brother!!!...I went back and read aobut your buddy a while back that you wrote here. I know he's looking forward to seeing you again. :)
September 18, 2008 6:53 PM
Busy Bee Suz said…
This is heartbreaking and inspiring. So Sory for Ricky..so sorry he is missing out on life with you and your family.....
I have some similar stories in my famuly too. Tough stuff.
When I got on your page and I heard the theme from "sanfor and Son", that just make me smile.
That is my hubbys new ringtone.
Small world.
Wishing you and yours all the best.
Take care,
Suz
September 19, 2008 11:49 PM
Liquid said…
..........And the Angels speak.
September 22, 2008 12:16 PM
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