Sunday, February 22, 2009

Watching, Listening And Laughing ...



This is my cousin, Paul Brandriet, the oldest boy of 9 Siblings: Bev, Donna, Jeanette, Roger, Margie, Bryan, Dale, Doug and Russ. Paul passed away Thursday evening. He fought cancer for a long time and is the first sibling to pass. Our Fathers, both gone now too, are Brothers.

Whenever our family gathered, Paul would usually be off on the sidelines, minding his own business. It was hard not to gravitate towards him. It was like he had a secret ... a special formula for getting along in this huge family of ours. He watched. He listened. And when he decided to comment on whatever it was we were discussing, it was always something so adorably funny that you just wanted to pinch his little cheek and hope that some Paul would rub off on you.

When my sister was alive you would always find the two of them together, out of the loop and by themselves. It was always that way ... and whatever it was that Paul and Wendy talked about in those conversations that lasted through entire events, they laughed a lot.

I can believe the two of them are together right now, doing what they did best ... watching, listening and laughing. And they are both in great company.

4 comments:

  1. Dear Laurie,
    I am so sorry for your loss. He sounds like a wonderful character. It is comforting to think of him with Wendy now (though I am sure that your family would rather they were both here with you). I pray for your heart to be comforted by your memories and much love sent your way. I'm sending some right now.

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  2. Laurie,
    I'm so sorry to hear about the passing of your cousin... but I know Wendy was there, on the other side of the curtain that separates our world from the eternal world, to welcome him with open arms. And one day the whole family will be back together. I hope God is granting you peace and happy memories during this time.

    Sending love your way, my friend!

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  3. A cousin who seems very sympathetic

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  4. I am so sorry for your loss. He seems like a lovely, gentle soul. I am sure he and Wendy are in deep conversation right now.
    take care,
    suz

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