Laurence was my younger, and only, brother. He died this morning in his sleep at the memory care unit where he had lived for some years. It was a good death, he escaped before the final awful stages of death by Alzheimer’s.
He was one of the smartest people I ever knew. And he could be a total pain in the butt. In 2006 he lived with us for awhile in Bellevue. He arrived shortly before Jim broke his pelvis, and was a great help to us both.
This was taken at the Paradise Lodge at Mount Rainier. Laurence was always happiest when he was on a bicycle.
Later we lived with him for awhile in South Carolina while we waited for the 5th wheel we’d bought to be delivered. This was taken in an RV park somewhere in the south. We were close to heading out and I wanted pictures of us for posterity.
It took awhile, but eventually one picture turned out to not be too bad.
In addition to being smart, and a talented IT guy, he was a really good photographer. It’s unfortunate that I don’t have more of his photos. This is one that he took at Xavier del Bac. He was standing and aiming where Ansel Adams had once stood.
He’s been gone from us for quite awhile, but now he’s really gone and we will miss him.
Nice memorial.
ReplyDeleteYour last line says it all, but the good memories remain forever.
ReplyDeleteI’m so sorry for your loss Allison! It’s so hard to say goodbye to a loved one, even when the time is right. I’m glad your brother is at peace and that you carry all those wonderful memories of him. In time that first pain will become less and the memories sweeter. RIP.
ReplyDeleteNina
A nice celebration of your brother. Hang on to those good memories...
ReplyDeletemark
A beautiful tribute to your brother. It's so hard to see someone you love as they slowly sink into another world. Thank goodness for the good memories - even the pain in the butt ones. Hugs.
ReplyDeleteAlzheimer's is such a long, slow good bye. It is good that he is now at peace and you have fond memories of your time together.
ReplyDeleteWe're so sorry about your brother. Those are cute pictures of the two of you. Nice to have memories of better times.
ReplyDeleteSorry for your loss. Alzheimers has touched our family, there isn't much worse.
ReplyDeleteI am so sorry to hear about your brother! I guess I didn't realize you had, a brother with AD. How sad! I also have only one brother, four years younger, and I simply can't imagine. The photos you got together were nice. Glad you have some good memories, but it's never easy to lose a loved one. Hugs!
ReplyDeleteSo sorry, Allison.
ReplyDeleteHi, Allison. As many conversations as we have shared, if I knew about your brother, I lost track. Forgive me for not inquiring about his well being. I am so sorry for your loss, and even more that it was prolonged in stages. You and Jim are in my thoughts. xxx
ReplyDelete<3 <3 <3
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