It was April, 1967. I was in my mid-teens, the oldest of six in my family. The number of siblings had just gone up to six with the birth of my youngest brother, Tim.
Then, 11 months later, I watched as Tim nearly died of a serious condition that doctors caught just in time. We were thankful he survived.
I will remember the energetic little boy that enjoyed other people so much. He kept that special talent of connecting with other human beings the rest of his life.
In adulthood, Tim wrestled with a condition not often diagnosed or treated at that time – depression. His bout with depression led to other challenges that made life difficult for himself and many around him for a long time.
Tim was able to get his life back together, largely due to his wife Shelly. He formed a close relationship to his step-grandchildren and life had meaning for him.
He had straightened-out his life the past ten years and things were better. Unfortunately, his overall health did not get better.
Tim had struggled with constant health challenges over the past few months. He was not well.
Then I got a call early September 1st. My brother Tony told me the hospital staff urged those close to him to come now. Tim didn’t have much time to live.
I was there standing next to Tim when he left this world. All I could think about was 1967, I visited him shortly after he was born. Now I am here with him as he passes from this world.
It is hard to lose a sibling, but when you are the oldest brother in a large family, it is even more difficult. I saw Tim grow up. I sat with him when he had asthma attacks and it was not a given he would take the next breath.
The world lost a special soul September 1st. It has not been easy for me to process this.
I went to a high school football game the evening of September 1st hoping to get my mind away from all this. I lasted until halftime. The events of the day had robbed me of any remaining energy.
Tim made it clear to Shelly he wanted no traditional funeral or calling. He asked to have his remains cremated and his ashes spread over a place special to he and Shelly. Tim did ask we have a family party in his honor, a celebration of his life in the Irish tradition. That will happen, as he asked.
I will miss my youngest brother. It remains hard to image living in a world without him. But I do believe he is in a much better place now, with his parents and many other special people.
I appreciate you allowing me a point of personal privilege in this post. It is not about Fishers or news. I thank you for reading about my brother Tim.
I haven’t posted about local news lately and may take just a few days away from blogging, but I will be back soon.
So sorry for your loss, Larry. Reading your post brought tears to my eyes …. Which seldom, if ever, happens.
I am so sorry, Larry. The world has lost another Lannan, a name I am proud of. You and all of your family are in my thoughts and prayers. Our grandfathers were brothers – yours was Sam, I think? And mine was John Henry (Hank).
Yes, Sam was my grandfather.
What a beautiful tribute to your brother, and what a gift each of you had. There is nothing quite like the bond of a sibling. Take some time to reflect- you’ve earned it.
Thanks for sharing the beautiful reflection of your brother Tim with us; my heart goes out to you and your family ❤️
My sincere condolences. I too lost my sister who was the youngest of six. The youngest is always someone special. Love the memories!
I’m so sorry for your loss
So sorry for your loss, my friend.
Larry, take as long as you need before you come back. We will wait patiently while you take care of yourself and your family. We will be here when you come back. Meanwhile, you will be in our thoughts and prayers. Also, thanks for sharing about Tim.
Thank you for sharing a little bit about your brother and family, I’m sorry to hear the loss in your family. May your brother always live in your heart.
Praying for you and all affected by Tim’s passing.
Larry, thank you for sharing these heartfelt and difficult words. I was fortunate enough to have kept in contact with Tim over the long years since our childhood growing up together. I am especially grateful that Shelly allowed me to be part of his long distance support this year. I so badly wanted him to pull through yet again, but I’m certain that Bernie and Mary Lou needed him too. He is loved by many and will never be forgotten.
p.s. i still remember the night you took Tim and I, two rambunctious young teens, to see the cult-classic, “Attack of the Killer Tomatoes”. Thank you and the family for sharing him with us all.
Thank you for sharing, Larry. My heart goes out to you and the entire family in this time of grief. My nephew was murdered in Guiana June 12th. I am still trying to wrap my head around it. It is in grieving, we learn to go on, for our grief changes as we do. This world is not called a vale of tears lightly.
Larry, My condolences to you. I share the grieving process with you as my brother passed away on September 1 as well. The juxtaposition is I was the baby my older brother greeted like you did with Tim. While my legal name is not Tim, my family always and still do call me Tim—a nickname that I prefer over my legal name.
Enjoy some time of reflection, as will I. God Bless.
Thank you, Larry. Well done.
Brother Tom
This was a beautiful tribute to Tim. May you find comfort in your memories of your dear brother.
Sending sincere condolences. My grandfather was George, Sam’s brother. We use to go to Sam’s farm every summer when we were kids. It’s hard losing your baby brother. We lost our baby brother as well. There just is something about a sibling.
This is beautiful, Uncle Larry. We will miss him so much <3
What a beautiful tribute to your brother !