INSPIRATION
Brad & an Unstamped Passport
I’m sure my brother always meant to travel one day, older than me by four years he was a home body. I heard he’d applied for a passport, and that he knew how to ski. After he died I found out many things about my big brother that I never knew. And luckily in the years before, we reconnected and started to share our memories. One thing that always secretly delighted me when I’d visit was that he had an image I’d sent him as his screen saver. I expected racing cars or his yellow peril Ford GT but no it was this image he wanted and saw each time he opened his computer.
Once someone changed the photo yet sure enough there it was back again shortly after. I always wished he would come and visit us in Italy, all those crooked houses would have sent him nuts. He trained as a fitter and turner which meant he worked to a fraction of a millimeter. He once surprised me by letting me drive his car, and showing me his dream home a few streets from where he lived with Mum, he often did that…surprised me!
Each email joke he sent me I saved to a folder called Brad, he would send so many that I would often file them without opening. Every now and then I go to that folder and open another (there are hundreds enough for a lifetime) and have a laugh with him. I’m taking a little of his ashes with me to Italy and sprinkling them at Monza, I like to think of him under the Italian sun at last. I miss him so.
and the gang x
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I’m so sorry to hear about your loss. So sorry. I love the idea that his ashes need a passport, that even in death this little dream will come to pass.
Funny isn’t it Krista that ashes need a passport, we didn’t get to take our sons ashes the first time as we found out about this late in the move. We were told he would be confiscated on arrival??? Also we were told that we couldn’t keep his ashes with us at home in Italy, that he would have to be interned at a cemetery. So he stayed with my Mum. I must check again for this trip, odd thing to have to add to my ‘To Do List”
xxxx
Hi Lisa,
How fantastic that you have emails to remind you of your brother – what a great treasure to find all of the time!
He sounds like a great big brother. So glad you got to spend time together, and share so much. At least he can travel with you in memories. Its not the same – but memories are good.
Thanking you for sharing your brother.
Cheers
Lisa
Oh Lisa I am such a hoarder, I keep old Christmas cards that I like or have written messages and get them out each year. I have them from so many of my family and friends who are no longer with us. It’s a gentle way to teach the kids about death as they sit with me when we do the tree and ask questions about the people who sent the cards.
sending love
lisa x
Lisa, your brother Brad sounds like a lovely person and your tribute to him is beautiful. He has such a captivating smile. Thanks for sharing your thoughts about him, it is a reminder to cherish those small things about the people closest to us. Trisha
A very private person with his family, my Mum didn’t even know where he worked. It was odd to learn so much about him after he was gone, people drove from interstate to be in his funeral cortege…all Ford GT’s. The sound was incredible…with Brad’s bright yellow one leading the way. xxx
What a lovely and moving tribute to your brother Lisa. It is snowing here so I am enjoying staying warm and catching up with all my blogging friends.
I certainly have been hearing about the snow, I hope you are safe and sound. A great chance to catch up, something I struggle to do with so many great friends and wonderful reads, and just daily life. I try now to actually stop and read the stories that interest me rather than thinking I’ll get back to them later. How do you keep up with it all?
ciao lisa x
Lisa I remember Brad from many many years ago with Bryan and Donna he was such a gentle soul. He loved his cars, that I do remember. I love that you have shared this story about him and some of his hidden secrets. Keep reading those jokes xo
Yes Mary a funny gentle soul, we all miss him so much. xx
Thank you for sharing Lisa – quite a special bond the two of you had! I am sure he will love Italy – I think wherever you are happy he is happy too 🙂 x
Ingrid it was seeing the photo of the old houses that had me write this post, I always loved that he had that image on his computer. although he didn’t get to see it he always asked me questions about life there. x
Lisa that is lovely but sad at the same time. I bet he is looking at you from wherever he is and seeing this. Paola x
Our family knows that life can be short, it’s a shame not to live it to the fullest. To take ashes into Italy you need a Passport so maybe he will get a stamp after all. ciao lisa