My brother and I were three years apart in age and the best of friends. His death was what truly shaped my values, beliefs and feelings about dying. Because I spent all of my time with my brother and saw him as an idol, this loss was devastating and put me in a yearlong depression. This loss was one that no one was prepared for and it has put a large void in my small family. Reflecting on my brother’s death now, I can honestly say that I am happy that he is no longer in pain and he is in a peaceful place. I do not look at death and dying in a negative aspect. Actually, I view death and dying as a new journey. While some say it may just be coincidence, sometimes I sit on my flowerless front porch where my brother and I would often talk and a hummingbird comes right up for my face, for just a moment. This experience never happened to me while PJ was alive, but two days after he passed and a dozen times over the past three years, I have been visited up-close and personal by a hummingbird. This unlikely visitor has led me to believe that maybe, just maybe we can send our loved ones certain messages from the other
My brother and I were three years apart in age and the best of friends. His death was what truly shaped my values, beliefs and feelings about dying. Because I spent all of my time with my brother and saw him as an idol, this loss was devastating and put me in a yearlong depression. This loss was one that no one was prepared for and it has put a large void in my small family. Reflecting on my brother’s death now, I can honestly say that I am happy that he is no longer in pain and he is in a peaceful place. I do not look at death and dying in a negative aspect. Actually, I view death and dying as a new journey. While some say it may just be coincidence, sometimes I sit on my flowerless front porch where my brother and I would often talk and a hummingbird comes right up for my face, for just a moment. This experience never happened to me while PJ was alive, but two days after he passed and a dozen times over the past three years, I have been visited up-close and personal by a hummingbird. This unlikely visitor has led me to believe that maybe, just maybe we can send our loved ones certain messages from the other