What was it like,
some of you may wonder...
growing up with Leon
for my brother, well...

It was the fifties
they were simpler times...
Cora, Leon and me together
with our little hands entwined.

Leon gave us 'charlie horses' when
Mom was out of sight... our little
arms were bruised and swollen,
like we'd been in a terrible fight!

And when we got the giggles
it was always at supper time...
until Mom would give us that
'straighten up' sign!

You always bribed Cora to do
your daily chores... she'd even
turn down your bed and put
out the clothes that you wore.

We can't forget when I wrecked
daddy's truck, and there I sat,
and you said... "Shirley,
daddy's not going to like that!"

Then when you were sixteen,
this was the very best part...
for you knelt on your knees
and asked Jesus into your heart.

The next big event was when
we all left home...
each of us venturing out
on a life of our own.

You were always a free spirit,
or a maverick some might say...
but I think you just struggled with
the sadness life brought your way.

You tried to accept the loss
of our beloved sister and mother...
but the pain was just too much,
and I lost you my dear brother.

I saw you breaking apart with
so many regrets... it's too late
now you thought, I should have
been there from the start.

God loves you and keeps you,
and I love you so brother of mine,
I will for forever...
until the end of time.

These things I most remember
are written in stone not in sand,
it's love and the little things...
like holding my brother's hand.