Yesterday, was a sad sad day for myself and my family. We lost A Son – A Brother – an Uncle – and A Friend. He was larger than life – always questioning – definitely marching to the beat of his own drum! He drove me absolutely bat-shit crazy for the majority of my life – nevertheless there was ‘never’ a time where I ‘didn’t’ love my brother. In fact – the hurtful things he would say and do to me only hurt me more because they were coming from someone whom I loved and who ‘presumably’ loved me as well – so yes, it hurt – a lot!! However, as I stated earlier – I still loved him and now that he’s gone I won’t be able to tell him that ever again!

Because you never know do you? When suddenly your entire world gets derailed and you find yourself lying ‘dazed and confused’ at the ‘metaphorical’ side of the road – wondering to yourself – WTF?!! I mean, you’re just going along, doing your ‘mundane’ everyday stuff whatever it is – it’s different for everyone – for me, I was on my phone playing the Wizard of Oz Match 3 Game and listening to Glitch in the Matrix stories on my Lap top – when suddenly a call comes in through my messenger – it’s my brother and I missed the call.

So I call back and he answers – video chat – and when he comes on screen he’s sideways so I make a ‘crack’ about how everyone is always sideways and I have to turn my head – and he mentions something about it being my phone – and I said I was on my laptop and he said something about ‘landscape’ mode – when suddenly he announces: “Anyway, Sis, I’ve got some sad news.” I immediately stop laughing and perk up and groan at the same time: “Oh no, what?” Thinking he’s going to give me news about another of our “elderly” relatives passing on – I mean, I’m the eldest at 59, so the few remaining aunts and uncles that we have are well into their 70s and 80s, Bless their Ever Lovin’ Souls!!

But no, he says: “We lost a brother!” I’m shocked beyond belief – was NOT expecting those words and seeing as I have four brothers, and I was currently speaking with one of them I immediately asked “Oh my God, Who?” I was not prepared for his answer – though as I consider it now – it wouldn’t have mattered ‘who’s’ name he had actually mentioned – my reaction would have been one and the same! I lamented – the tears suddenly sprung and I felt immediately bereft!! My Baby brother was gone – not that he was my ‘baby’ brother – but since I’m the eldest I consider ALL of my siblings ‘my babies.’ It wasn’t right, I thought to myself, I’m supposed to go first – I’m the eldest!!! I literally feel like a Mama who has lost her child.

You know, you reach a point in your life where you have to ask yourself: “What is the most important thing in my life, right here, right now?” I believe that each and everyone of us should ask ourselves this question, not just today, but every single day that we have here, to do whatever it is that we are supposed to be doing. I can tell you one thing for sure – as far as my perspective is concerned – it isn’t about having the best job and buying the next best thing and going on those fabulous vacations!

Although all of those things hold a measure of “wealth” none of those “material” things and ideas will ever compare to the love and the compassion that we share one for the other. Family is not just a “biological” group of people. Family is US – the Entirety of Humanity – and hopefully soon, we will ALL wake up to this ‘reality,’ and perhaps, then – maybe then we may truly begin ‘living’ Life as opposed to just ‘muddling’ through it. I suppose in the grand scheme of things, what I’m trying to say is: “Be good to one another, we’re all we’ve got – each other.”

As we travel the multitudinous twists and turns on the road of Life, always remember those who have fallen behind – but most importantly, don’t forget those that are still in the race – right there – along with you – navigating their own twists and turns along the way. So, if you haven’t spoken to someone in who knows how long – give ’em a shout out and let ’em know you love them – even if you don’t keep in touch. Reach out to that friend or loved one with whom you have become estranged. It’s never too late to right a wrong. I love ALL of you, have a Blessed Life! Keep on Keepin’ On! Peace!

In Honor of my Brother

Marco Antonio Lopez

July 3, 1964 – December 17, 2021

You are loved Dear Brother – Bad Ol’ Uncle

You will be Ever Missed! Rest In Peace!!