My brother, Dow, was the quintessential "bum". And PROUD of it. He accepted people for themselves, not their station in life.
I didn't want my 43rd birthday. It meant that I would be older than my brother ever was. Somehow I made it through.
This year, on August 11th, Dow would have been 50. He would be hanging out with his young grandchildren. And would probably still be haunting the streets, spreading kindness among his fellow "bums".
I don't usually buy coffee from a coffee shop. I make my own at home. But that day I needed one, so I splurged.
When I returned to my car, I noticed a shabbily dressed, stringy haired man standing nearby - his lifetime held in his dirty backpack. Horror of horrors - he was coming up to me!!!
I'll never forget what he said. In a beautiful, soft, well-mannered voice he said "Do you have seventeen cents? That's all I need for a cup of coffee." Remarkable words? No. What was remarkable was that my hand went into my pocket and pulled out what little change I had. "I'm sorry", I said, "this is all I have." We both looked down - at the seventeen cents I held in my palm.
Thank you Dow, for sending me the angel bum. You remind me, even now, of the value of kindness. Of the value of life, of love. I still miss you bro!
Oh, Sissy! ((hugs)) I miss Dow too. I do. Funny thing, on the way home I stopped for gas. I was on my way inside to pay, and I came face to face with a man who reminded me of Dow. His well-laden bike leaned against the building. On his way outside, and a little wobbly on his feet, he opened the door for me. His face was gentle and kind--He nodded to me with gentle dignity. As I paid for the gas I watched him through the window.
ReplyDeleteI realized this was a man Dow would have loved--maybe he even knew Dow once. I remember at Dow's memorial service--the homeless man who stood up to tell how Dow shared his lunch.
Dow's loving heart permeated our world in ways we have yet to understand. ((hugs)) I love you, my sweet Sissy.
VERY TOUCHING POST CLYTIE. HOW WONDERFUL TO LOVE YOUR BROTHER THIS MUCH. I KNOW YOUR PAIN
ReplyDeleteOF MISSING A BROTHER, IT HURTS IN OUR HEARTS.
I LOST MY 57yo BROTHER THIS PAST OCTOBER.
HUGSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSS TO YOU DEAR FRIEND.
I'm so sorry to hear about your brother, Clytie. This is a beautiful homage to a lost, obviously loved soul.
ReplyDeleteI hope that it helps you to write about your feelings. It must be so hard.
I hesitate to comment not wanting to intrude. I just wanted to quietly express my sorrow. That is all.
Angels visit us in many gyses, it pays to keep your change handy because you never know when one might need seventeen cents in exchange for a cup of love...Dow sounds like an exceptional soul.
ReplyDeleteWOw. That is different. I enjoyed it. I thought maybe he knew that 17 cents was the change you got when you ordered coffee. And so he asked for that much.
ReplyDeletePick a Peck of Pixels
My brother also died untimely, so I know what a terrible blow this is.
ReplyDeleteBeautiful post.
I am so sorry to hear of your brother's passing. Still, he seems so alive in your love for him.And the story about the man asking for seventeen cents gave me the shivers, in a good way. Yes, truly a messenger from your brother. Thank you for being so open to the gifts and for passing them on.
ReplyDeleteThanks for visiting my long underwear post and commenting there on Pick a Peck of Pixels.
ReplyDeleteThere are angels around us everywhere and here was one sent by your dear brother. Kindness is a gift of the soul. There are so many gentle souls that need love and compassion. You dear Clytie are an earth Angel sowing your seeds of goodness, kindness and love. Your brother would be proud of you and your kind ,caring, gentle person you are. He is always near and only a whisper away. Angel kisses blow across your cheek as memories bring a smile to your face. May you feel his feather hug holding you tonight letting you know he's alright and watching over you. God Bless you dear soul. Love and Light, Nina P.
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