A Hopi Prayer

Do not stand at my grave and weep
I am not there. I do not sleep.
I am a thousand winds that blow.
I am the diamond glints on snow.
I am the sunlight on ripened grain.
I am the gentle autumn rain.
When you awaken in the morning’s hush
I am the swift uplifting rush
Of quiet white doves in circled flight.
I am the soft stars that shine at night.
Do not stand at my grave and cry;
I am not there, I did not die.


In memory of Rob’s brother Dave, who passed away 18 years ago today.

I look at my boys today – ages 6,9,10, and 13 and see how they are; how they bug each other, tease each other, wrestle with each other, fight with each other, laugh with each other, cry with each other, share secrets, share stories, make disgusting noises, defend each other, play soccer, play baseball, play tennis, play hockey, watch movies, play video games, study together, take lessons together, sit in the church pew together (complaining), vacation together, hug each other and just plain have fun and love each other – I can not picture one without the other. There is a very special bond between these boys. “Real” or “Step” – they are true brothers. I hope they will always share the closeness and the love they have now – forever.

My message to them is to cherish the special gift of brotherhood that they have; nurture it, love it, have fun with it.

Sad that I never met you Dave. Sad that my boys do not have you in their lives too. But your memory is strong.

Rest assured, your little brother Rob is doing a superb job at raising his boys to be amazing brothers. You’d be proud:)