Barry is 16 years older than I am, so I really didn't know him until I was grown. And since he skipped TWO grades, he was away at college before I could even talk. But I do recall a few things about him from childhood: He was a "muscle man" who had a bar in the doorway for chin-ups and a really strange device made of metal coiled springs with handles on each end to expand his chest and biceps. And he was a "cool cat" who brought home 78 rpm records of Glenn Miller, Spike Jones, et al. PLUS...when he was at Columbia University, one of his neighbors was Harry Belafonte! He brought me silk pajamas with my picture painted on them from Korea, which I still have in my cedar chest, and I loved to hear of his travels when he became an international banker. His physical strength is legendary, and Ted and I were in awe as he scaled the giant trees on a waving ladder in their backyard, chopping them down foot by foot, while in his 70s. And when he and Ellen visited us this past summer and she was tentative about crossing our little creek, he just picked her up and threw her across with ease! Most of all, I've admired his spiritual strength and ethics. My brothers and I have all benefited from the examples of our parents, and Barry has stood tall in his faith and values. He is a great man who is having a great life, and I look forward to more stories of his prowess in the years ahead. Happy Birthday, dear brother, with much love, Margaret Ann
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Thank you for sharing those memories, Margaret. It's funny that your memories of your big brother are connected with music, world travel, physical fitness, and him being "bigger than life", while many of my memories of my Dad are connected to the same aspects of his life and personality, but one generation and several thousand miles apart. I think that is serendipitous! It also demonstrates a sort of integrity in my dad's character. He was and is constant to those he loves, and has a special place in his heart for his "girls"--whether sister, wife, daughter or mother-- which is evident in his gallant treatment of them. I hope you feel as special as I do as a recipient of his affection.
ReplyDeleteGinny