My big Brother

[Old Dog]

This is just for me to explain why I make a very sore reference to Norm.
Norm was my Big Brother,
but not just that he was the best friend a guy could have.

We used to hunt and fish together and chase girls together.
many things brothers don't do we did together.

Norm died in 2003
He had been splitting wood with his wife and youngest son,
He complained that his shoulder hurt. Everyone decided to break while Norm took an aleive.
He was sitting and talking with them and as the conversation drifted back towards Norm....
They thought he had drifted off to sleep.

Only he never woke up.

I am going to be as old as Norm was when he left this year,
and no I'm not worried that I will not make it through the year.
I'm saying

Norm, it's been five years!
I miss you.

thom

[bootybay]

Thom.. I wish I could turn back the time machine for you..but I can't... I will keep you and your brother in my prayers and just know that hes always with you now... forever... look for signs..open up and you will see them..

[Pepper2004]

May he RIP and may you always remember the good times.

Hugs,
Pepper

[Old Dog]

Thanks Rae, and Pepper,
There is never a doubt in my mind that Norm and others are with me from day to day.
It comforts me to know that they guide me and bolster my confidence when I feel the world closing in around me.
I never will have another friend like Norm, that kind of thing is so very rare.
I have learned that he was that kind of friend to all. unwavering and totally loyal.

All of us kids were raised that way, and I think Norm lived it to give the rest of us in the family an example.

Not having him around always leaves a hole in every experience, But having had him for a time ...
makes me feel so very honored.

Thom

[ashleen]

(((((((Thom)))))))

[godisnum1]

Hey buddy... I'm sorry to hear that.
It really hurts to hear, because I almost lost my brother dozens on times growing up, due to his seizures.
Then twice again over the last two years due to a bleeding stomach ulcer. The kid's been through alot and I can't imagine not having him in my life. We've grown so close during college together too...
I'm really sorry for your loss Thom.

Bran <><

[Old Dog]

Bran,

My advice to the family was to get past it as he wouldn't want us to linger too long on it.
I know I'll never get over it,

Some day I might get past it,
But I hope never so far as to forget...
He was my hero, big brothers get that distinction.
it is the normal course of things.

Thom

[godisnum1]

Bran,

My advice to the family was to get past it as he wouldn't want us to linger too long on it.
I know I'll never get over it,

Some day I might get past it,
But I hope never so far as to forget...
He was my hero, big brothers get that distinction.
it is the normal course of things.

Thom

Good attitude Thom!!
Brothers are forever...

Bran <><

[sniffer]

I had no idea Thom. I'm sure you miss him a great deal, just remember, he's in a better place
my prayers are including you and yours

Sniffer

[Old Dog]

Thanks Sniffer,
I could just see Norm threatening to bean me for feeling sorry for myself here. LOL
And yes that happens every year about this time.

As you say Bran,
Brothers are forever.

Thom

[flyinguy]

thom, so sorry for you. i lost my youngest brother at 19. we were tight. that was 10-7-78. he would have a b-day on the 8th. it never goes away.

[Bridge End Farm]

hey my friend,

Know how your hurt and the feelings of missing him. I too lost my older brother too a couple of years back, only 45 when Jesus came for him. Wish I could say it always goes away but mine still lingers too at times. Something will happen or pop up that puts him right there. I know he with you as mine is with me always in my heart. Take care and I am praying for you and all your family

[Old Dog]

Mary,

I have told many stories on Norm here on T-Net.
and you know already that he was my true friend.

I said earlier that it has been 5 years.
That was my actual revelation... I am as old as he was when he died.

He is still here, looking out for those he cared about.
He did that when he was alive too, LOL
Big brothers do that.

The thing that surprises me is that my three younger sisters,
Have switched the distinction onto me.
I am now the oldest brother.
Now I know what Norm went through, LOL.

Thom

[DANGLANGLEY]

Bran,

My advice to the family was to get past it as he wouldn't want us to linger too long on it.
I know I'll never get over it,

Some day I might get past it,
But I hope never so far as to forget...
He was my hero, big brothers get that distinction.
it is the normal course of things.

Thom

Hey Thom
I'm sorry about your brother. My older brother is my hero too. He is eight years older than me and I remember feeling like I was lost when he got married. And he only moved about a hundred yards away, lol...

Hang in there buddy.
Nathan

[Old Dog]

Thanks Nathan,

Norm's house was right next door.
We used to talk over the fence.

Or on a bad day he would grab several beers and tell his family ...
"I'm going over to talk with my brother."
He would smoke his pipe and drink a beer and we would solve the world's problems.
Plan trips, or just sit and enjoy each others presence.

Not too many people I feel so comfortable around that I can just sit with and not talk.

To all,
I warms my heart to talk about Norm,
Thanks for giving me some really nice memories to recall.
And thanks all for the kind words.

Thom

[Cynangyl]

Thanks for sharing about Norm again my friend. You know you are always in my prayers and I pray all the memories that come to mind are great ones that bring peace to your heart. Love ya buddy! ~hugsnprayers~

[Mental Granny]

Thom, I just saw this I am very sorry for the compaionship of the brother and the best friend in the world that has gone to a better place I know that it must be very hard to think about at certain times of the year.
I am very happy for you to have such wonderful memories of him stored up! No they dont take the place of him actually being there, but I bet there are times when something happens or is said ect. that just brings a smile to your face and your the only one that knows why its there! Keep doin the things that bring that smile and memory to you! You are very lucky to have family I did not have that honor while I was growing up, I wish I had been that lucky! You and all your family and his are in our prayers!


~~~~Evy ~~~

[Old Dog]

Thanks Evy,

I just ant to say to all...
If you have someone special in your life,
Whether it be a brother , sister or even just a friend,
Never miss a chance to let them know just how special they are to you.

They may pass like Norm did, by just sitting down to rest for a minute.
It may sound sappy, or sissy.
don't be afraid to say I love you.

Down the road, when you can't say it.
You won't kick yourself for not having said it.

Thom

[SC_hunter]

Thom, I also just saw this thread and want to say, my friend, you will never forget him and as long as he is in your memory, he will always be with you. Time does seem to make it a bit easier, but I know every time you want to solve the worlds problems, your thoughts go to him. Another thing my friend, if your brother passed away with a heart attack, have your doctor run an EKG on you from time to time....don't wanna lose my buddy from out west.
Randy

[Old Dog]

Thanks Randy,

It's an annual thing. Norm had a defect that was identical to one that killed my Dad's mom.
It is not common and it is congenital.
I don't have it so don't worry.
With the history in place though my Doctor makes a bog show of checking every time I go in.

I can't go yet Brother...
I haven't figured out how to take it all with me.

LOL
Thom