My brothers

I have been blessed with 2 full brothers, 2 step-brothers and 1 half brother.  Doug, or if you are around our house it is "Uncle Doug" is the eldest of my full brothers.  When I surprised my parents with my arrival into this world, Doug was a ten-year old kid.  Instead of being annoyed by me (though I am sure he was at times) he was such a fun big brother.  Both Doug and Steve taught me everything I know about sports and especially basketball.  I remember many times Doug was tasked with the chore of doing my hair.  If you know me, you know my curls.  My family didn't really know how to handle all my curls at that time and when I had to have my hair brushed out, tears usually occurred.  However, Doug was really gentle about it and I remember always preferring it be him that helped me.

Steve was my next full brother.  He was the that introduced me to music.  I think that is really where he and I connected.   Steve was a DJ (Disc Jockey).  I thought that he was the coolest brother ever.  He could string together songs and keep an event going like it was nothing.  I remember the first time I went to a dance to "help" him.  He took the time to explain everything to me and even let me pick songs.  That is probably one of my best memories of Steve.

Steve was also the assistant soccer coach for my team.  Soccer was a big deal in my life as a kid.  He taught me so much as right sweeper.  I also remember all my friends having crushes on him.  That year my season ended early.  I broke my wrist (again).  I was determined to play despite having my wrist in a cast but the refs wouldn't allow it.  Apparently the plastered cast could be considered a weapon if I hit someone over the head with it.  I remember Steve actually arguing with the ref for me because I was so upset.  As I sat on the sidelines desperately trying to take the cast off, Steve had to come and talk me down and tell me that I would just have to wait till next season.

Doug and Steve were close.  They were the only boys in my family of five.  I have heard the stories (and have seen the pictures) of them fighting but I honestly don't remember them ever not getting along.  Perhaps that is because I came along later in life, I don't know,  I just remember that they always had one another's back.  I do remember them getting into trouble together - but now that I am older those memories just make me laugh.  My poor mother.  Seriously though, those two had such a strong bond.

5 years ago we had a family reunion.  It was the last time the five of us kids were altogether.  I am so thankful that we have those memories.  The best time was when we were just standing around the table and Steve and Doug were strolling down memory lane and Steve was adding his wise cracks throughout the dialogue.  Those two had us girls laughing so hard that we were in tears and I am sure my chin was shivering.

It was the perfect decision to have Doug speak at Steve's funeral.  Doug knew just what to say.  It was impressive given how little the poor guy had slept up to that point (he drove pretty much nonstop from Texas to Utah).  I don't even know where he found the time to write such a wonderful talk but I am sure glad he did.  In his talk he mentioned that he was listening to the radio as he drove across the country and a song came on that made him think of Steve.  It seems only fitting that it would be through music.  I am almost certain that the first time I ever heard this song was from Steve.

REM
Everybody Hurts

When your day is long
And the night, the night is yours alone
When you're sure you've had enough
Of this life, well hang on

Don't let yourself go
'Cause everybody cries
And everybody hurts sometimes

Sometimes everything is wrong
Now it's time to sing along
When your day is night alone (Hold on, hold on)
If you feel like letting go (Hold on)
If you think you've had too much
Of this life, well hang on

Everybody hurts
Take comfort in your friends
Everybody hurts
Don't throw your hand, oh no

Don't throw your hand
If you feel like you're alone
No, no, no, you are not alone

If you're on your own in this life
The days and nights are long
When you think you've had too much of this life to hang on

Well, everybody hurts sometimes
Everybody cries
Everybody hurts sometimes
And everybody hurts sometimes

So hold on, hold on
Hold on, hold on, hold on, hold on, hold on, hold on
Everybody hurts