Tuesday, June 08, 2021

William, It Was Really Something


So today's my 54th birthday. It's already off to a great start -- friends took me out to dinner at Cafe Luxembourg the other night, and Damian showered me with gifts and cake at midnight -- yet the seemingly uneventful milestone haunts me. Five years ago, my brother Bill was 54 when doctors told him he had nine months to live. I'd always been in awe of him, but never more so than watching him handle his fate with such dignity and poise  -- something that somehow seems even more remarkable now that I know exactly what it feels like to be his age then. (WAY too young to die.) I don't know what's in store for me in the year or years ahead -- none of us do. But since I lost Bill, I've spent each day trying to live my life with the same grace he always did, which as far as I can see is the only positive to come out of his devastatingly premature exit. xo

9 comments:

Steve said...

Happy Birthday. I have one coming up in oh...2024

Jack said...

Happy Birthday!🎈🧁🎊🎀🎁

Anonymous said...

Thanks for your keen insight into what is pretty tragic. Unfortunately the older we get the more people we lose. As far as the coming year, I am hopeful but a little nervous. I think if we can just keep our heads up and look forward things will be fine.

Jeff

j said...

Happy Birthday Ken!

Myk said...

Beautifully written, and a real tribute to your brother. May all your birthdays be happy and celebrated in good health and much love.

Claude Remains said...

Happy 54th Birthday! Many happy returns of the day!!
I´m sure your brother is looking down on you with love and pride!!
XXX

Paul Denton said...

Happy Birthday Ken!!

This was well-written and very touching.

Drew Landis said...

Glad you're in the 212 at 54! Happy birthday!

Juan Lopez said...

Happy Birthday!