This week these charming pink blooms popped up in the front garden.
Every day we are surrounded by life burgeoning around us. It is from this point of view I remember my youngest brother, Michael’s birthday. Yesterday, he would have been 51.
He was born six weeks’ premature at the Queen Elizabeth Hospital, Birmingham, UK. I remember Michael as a happy, bonny lad with dark curly hair and olive skin.
The last time my mother left my stepfather, Michael chose to stay with his Dad. This was the point we began to grow separately.
Michael became a New Age Traveller. Mom was always thrilled to welcome him and his friends with a shower, clean clothes and a hot meal. Although, she found Michael’s anarchistic beliefs challenging.
At 23 years’, Michael died of a heroin overdose at a music festival in Prague.
I regret not spending more time with him as an adult. The last time I saw Michael, he was an inpatient at a mental health hospital, struggling with extreme paranoia. Micheal was convinced people were trying to kill him. I can’t help thinking, maybe he was correct.
theINFP 
So sad Robert, so young xx
❤️
Heart breaking. Some of us seem to come vulnerable in ways others aren’t. Our better side is a light that shines, but we have to struggle often to stay out of the pit of despair. There really isn’t much anyone else can do. My faith has been the key for me, but it isn’t a set of traditional religious beliefs. It’s been an experience of the Love of God fleshed out in Jesus that is pure grace. When it comes to traditional religious doctrines I’m pretty much a heretic! So hard for those who love someone with emotional extremes, such a helpless feeling. Hugs from Tennessee.
Thank you, Eileen your hugs and words bring light to my life ❤️
I am so very sorry.
Thank you, Cindy ❤️
Either I didn’t know or I had forgotten about your brother. What a loss; what a sorrow.
I don’t think I have written about his passing before.
When my brother died of cancer just shy of his 40th birthday, I really regretted not spending more time with him. So sorry for your loss!
Thank you, Dawn, my thoughts are with you too.