A Tribute to my Brother

Yesterday, September 24, 2012 would have been my brother Jon's 55th birthday.  Sadly, he didn't make it to 55.  He died on October 21, 2009 of heart failure due to complications from pneumonia.  I'll never forget getting the phone call from my other brother, Mark informing me about Jon's death.  It was just so shocking for all of us!

Jon was a maverick from a very early age to the day he died.  He always marched to the beat of his own drum, even if he got punished for it, which was often the case both at home and in school.  The nuns at school used to send him out to sit in the doghouse with the Convent's dog.  Our father used to whip his butt continually, but his maverick spirit could never be broken.

When we were kids, he and I fought pretty fiercely and he always brought out the beast in me!  I hated it when I was young, but my early dealings with Jon taught me how to be competitive and defend myself and others, which has served me well in the male dominated field in which I work. He and I got along much better when we got older.

Happy 55th Birthday, Jon!  I hope that you are at peace, wherever you are!

Now I'll play some Herbert Albert in your honor and memory:

Rest in peace, my brother!