Today

I was going to repost this a few days ago, but didn't.
It is a post I did about my brother.
I have changed my mind and will repost it after all.
Today is Veteran's Day here in the USA.  My brother didn't serve in the military, but he will always be a hero to me.

A few days ago I titled one of my posts, "Sometimes".

Last night and today, and I am sure in the next few days, I have thought about that post and the emotions behind it.

It has been a very long time since I have actually sobbed when I have cried.  The big heart wrenching sobs that are uncontrollable.......the ones that actually hurt your chest.

It amazes me how quickly life can change.  

How the world as we know it will never be the same.

In the blink of an eye........

 Or the ring of a telephone........

Today, I got out of bed like any other day.  I got Samuel ready for school and drove him through rush hour traffic to get there.  I sat through PTA meeting, walked through the mall and bought brining stuff for our Thanksgiving turkey.  All normal, every day type of stuff.

But, today wasn't the same.

Everything is different now.

Katrina, Graham (brother), Dianne (sister-in-law), Anthony and Jason.  Andrew wasn't there.

 This is my brother and his family at the airport when I left Tasmania to fly to the USA to marry Jim.  Nearly 25 years ago!

Anthony, Jason, Katrina, Dianne and Graham.  Andrew isn't there again!!!  I sense a pattern.

 Both these photos were taken last July when we were back in Tasmania for vacation.

Aahaa!  The elusive Andrew is on the right!

Graham getting an earful from Auntie Lyn.  She was telling him to visit!

Finally!  One of them all together.

This photo, and the next several, were taken in Western Australia when Graham and Dianne went to visit their kids and grandchildren.

I've been trying to recall my earliest memory of my big brother.  Graham was 17-years-old when I came into the picture.  My sister Gayle was 14.
Here are some of my memories:

• Every pay day, Graham would buy me a little bag of mixed lollies.
• I loved Graham's bedspread, it had a horse on it.
• Graham drove trucks for a living at one stage, and sometimes he would take me with him.
• I loved riding on the back of his motorbike, especially when he would take me to school sometimes.......I felt so cool  :)
• Graham was hired to cut down some big trees at my elementary school.  While there a huge bull escaped from the local "Sales" yard and made into the school yard.  While everyone watched out the windows, my brother caught it and took it back to where it belonged.  Then, after school, he took me home on the back of his motorbike.
• Whenever I got into trouble with my Mum, which happened quite frequently, Graham would swoop in and rescue me.
• Most of my summers were spent at Graham and Dianne's house.
• Everyone loves to hear Graham stories.  My brother is Crocodile Dundee and Steve Irwin all rolled up into one package.
• Everyone knows my brother
• I know that if I ever needed anything, my brother would take care of me.  Everyone needs a big brother like Graham.  A little rough around the edges, but a heart of gold.
• Graham would buy me mega cans of Milo.
• When I was asked to speak in Sacrament meeting at church, Graham would always come if I asked him.

Granny Geale, Graham and Mum

Grandfather Geale, Granny Geale and Graham

My sister Gayle - 12, Graham - 14

These are the only pictures I have of Graham in his "younger" days.  My scanner isn't all that flash, so this is the best I can do for now.

This photo was taken at a picnic right before I left to come to the USA.

 So many in the above photo are no longer here.

They are my family.

Last night.
With the blink of an eye.
With the ring of the phone.
Everything changed.

Eric Graham Johns
Graham is a son, big brother, husband, father and grandfather.
He loved his family.
Graham loved going up to his shack at the lakes.
Words cannot say everything that Graham is.


Last night,
Graham died,
and now, everything is different.

Sally-Ann