As you became an adolescent, you broadened your talents. You learned to cook and I could always count on you to help me in the kitchen. You could whip out a cake that was perfect in no time. What a help to me you always were. You learned to fish with your brothers, and spent many hours in that endeavor. I still have your "big mouth bass" that your brother Tom mounted for you. You were so proud of it. Quite a catch. The lure still hangs from its mouth. When you were 13, another brother appeared, Mike. How you loved him. You were a wonderful big brother, and Mike loved you so. You loved to take care of him and helped me a lot with him. When you received your drivers license, I saw a great deal less of you. I always teased you that you were putting permanent ruts in main street from all of your "dragging main". You had a great time, and had many friends. You were a good friend and pal to your buddies. You offered a helping hand to any of them when it was needed. You were never afraid of work, and had a job from the time you were old enough to work. You worked in many of the fast food places in town and did well. After high school, you tried many kinds of work. Never did really find your niche for many years, but gave it a good effort.
Then you decided to move to California and give it a try out there. Oh my, how you struggled to make it. You went through some very difficult times, but hung in there for several years. You were just getting established in a good job finally when you were struck down with illness. When you called me to let me know how very sick you were, I could not believe it. You were terminally ill and so far away. My heart cried for you. How could this happen. I just could not believe it. You did not want me to tell our family how sick you were. You wanted to spare them the hurt for a while. I flew out when you were hospitalized and saw how much you were suffering. I tried to talk you into coming home and letting me take care of you, but you declined. You so wanted to be strong and not burden me. How could you be a burden, I loved you so, my wild child. I was in nursing school and you were afraid I would quit. You so wanted me to be a nurse. When I called David to tell him of your illness, he immediately called you and offered to take you into his and Rachel's home and care for you. You thought about it for a while and consented. Dan and David drove to California and brought you to live with David's family. David quit his job and Rachel supported their family. David took care of you 24 hours a day for four months. What love from one brother to another. Not many would be that giving. When your battle ended, I thought I could not go on. But, I had four other sons to live for. My sons have always been my life, what I was born for. I do go on without you here, but the pain has not lessened even a little bit. You always are in my memory and thoughts and are forever in my heart, my wild child.
Mom
