My brother George, three years my senior, was one of my closest and most favorite people in this world. He was my first playmate, first friend, and first hero. I can still feel the warmth in my chest that I felt as a little girl when my big brother George was around. I developed a love so simple and pure for him that it helped me to understand both emotionally and intellectually what elements are necessary for true friendship.

George set that standard: reliable, loving, a bit of a pain in the butt but within the realm of the reasonable, and a person who “got” me, respected me, and loved me back. George was all of that for a long time until he lost himself to alcohol and drugs for about 20 years. Then I had the chance to feel frustrated, angry, and disconnected from the one person in the world who occupied a huge part of my heart. That was a tough growth experience for me.

I’m happy to say that through the miracle of God and AA, George returned to his former wonderful self in his mid-thirties and we were back at it as best friends and confidantes until his premature death at 54 from esophageal cancer. Then I had the chance to learn how to live without someone who was foundational to my life. Another difficult but important lesson to gain in this temporary world we live in.

George remains one of my bedrock people. He was my “safe place” as a little kid. Always there to provide a smile or a hug when I was hurt along with words of support. He also loved to tease me, chase me around the house, and wrestle with me, which toughened me up for the challenges I’d face when life got a little more complicated.

I am very lucky to have had such a supportive and caring relationship with my brother in those early years. I learned at a young age what true friendship looks and feels like and that knowledge has served me well over all these years. I wish George were here today so we could laugh and talk together but the truth is, he is never far away. That’s what real love is, the ability to feel a person’s presence close by even if they’ve been gone from this earthly plane for more years than you wish.

Happy birthday, George.

George