My Brother, My Friend....

In all of our lives we have people who influence "who" we are, and who we will become. For most of us, those earliest influences come from our families. This is my older brother Roy, ("Scooter" as he is known to family and friends), and me with my grandpa in 1960. My brother and I were only 15 months apart. He has been a big part of my life as you can imagine. I could tell lots of funny stories about how he influenced me for the good and "not-so-good"! But THE most important story about my brother is what happened to him 4 years ago. He went into respiratory failure (as a result of multiple medical problems and a long history of smoking) and was fighting for every breath. The family was called to the hospital, the doctors and nurses didn't give the family much hope. As many people began praying for him, God miraculously spared his life. Now, I know that there were many doctors and nurses who took care of him and they deserve alot of credit, but without God's intervention, he would not have lived. My brother, knew that God had touched him physically and he was a thankful man. He also came to realize that his life was a gift, and he prayed and asked God to forgive him and come into his heart. I saw the transformation of my brother's heart and life right before my eyes. My big tough brother became this teddy bear of a man who wasn't afraid to cry and tell you how much he loved you. He lived 4 more years, saw his son married, and lived to see his first grandchild. My "big brother", Roy "Scooter" left this earth on March 29th. Although I am so sad for the loss that my family is experiencing, we are also rejoicing, because we know that we will see him again! I know many of you have read The Purpose Driven Life by Rick Warren, here is one of my favorite quotes: "Earth is not our final home; we were created for something much better." I believe that! This life is not all there is! I loved my brother, and I look forward to a great family reunion someday!

Here is a poem that my nephew and his wife had printed on cards to give away at the memorial service and I think my brother would have liked it.

When I come to the end of the day
And the sun has set for me
I want no rites in a gloom-filled room
Why cry for a soul set free?
Miss me a little, but not too long
And not with your head bowed low.
Remember the love we once shared
Miss me, but let me go.

For this is a journey we all must take
And each must go alone.
It's all a part of the Maker's plan,
A step on the road to home.
When you are lonely and sick at heart
Go to the friends we know
And bury your sorrows in doing good deeds
Miss me, but let me go.

           Roy W. Grubbs  "Scooter"
           Born: December 20, 1958
           Passed: March 29, 2008

                            

                      ****Thought for the day****
  "Lord, remind me how brief my time on earth will be.
          Remind me that my days are numbered,
               and that my life is fleeting away."    
                             Psalm 39:4

                 "Precious in the sight of the Lord
                     is the death of His saints".   
                           Psalm 116:15

Thanks so much to all of you who have sent cards and e-mails. You have all been so kind to me and my family. It is truly times like these, that you find out who your friends really are. Those that are "there for you" when you really need a shoulder to cry on. For those of you who have asked what we need, just keep my sister-in-law Vickie and my mom in your prayers.

God Bless,
Tammy

Comments

[Susannah]

I lost my big brother on Easter morning, so my heart goes out to you.

Your family is in my prayers.

[Elizabeth]

Tammy:
I've been thinking of you and your mom so much lately--take care of yourselves and know you've been in a lot of prayers.

[megan m.]

Tammy,
I am so sorry for your loss. My thoughts and prayers are with you.

[Tammy Tadd]

Cathy, thanks for asking about the poem. It was a poem that my nephew and his wife had kept from another funeral that they had been to. Don't know the source.

[pam]

Thinking of you and your family Tammy. xo

[Cathy]

Your strong faith will help you a lot at this time. I like the poem. Do you have a source for it? Did your SIL or nephew write it?

[Amanda]

I'm so sorry that you and your family are going through this.

It is a great feeling to know that one day we will be together with our loved ones that have passed on.

I will keep you, your Mom, and your brother's family in my prayers.

[Serena]

It's so hard to loose someone so close, but what a wonderful reunion to look forward to someday! Very true..."Earth is not our final home."