And then we were three
MY BROTHER BILL was my hero. What can I say? He taught me rugby. He taught me cool. Look at him in this family picture when he's about 14, and I'm the goober to his lower right and upper left. Notice I'm touching my sister Denise with a single finger, while Denise is splayed across my father's lap with her right foot touching my mother's thigh. Notice my mother's arm pulling my brother Dougie into the picture before he becomes a poster boy for ADD or bladder control. Notice my sister Jan -- how perfect she was -- softly resting her fingers against my mother's back. Notice how cool my brother Bill looks with his hands in his pockets, not touching anyone. .
That's a snapshot of a large family grown to three from seven. My brother Bill's ashes will be scattered in the wind and bay off Polly's Dock in Beach Haven at sunset on Saturday night. Be there, or keep your hands in your pockets.
Comments
Clark,
My condolences on your loss. While he died too young, sounds like your brother used his time well and left quite a mark.
Mike
Posted by: Mike Connors | August 25, 2006 08:39 AM
Dear Clark,
The rugby tom-tom system still works since I got the word about Billy in a very circuitous manner.
It's been a lot of years in between, but I for one remember all three DeLeon brothers with whom I had the opportunity to share a pitch and a few pints. In particular, I can recall of Whitemarsh's first (and notorious) "overseas" tour when Billy nearly got both of us killed on a motorbike coming back from a Saturday afternoon beerfest on the beach in Freeport in the Bahamas.
Billy separated his shoulder on that occasion. But dauntless and character that he was he climbed out of the window of the hospital where he had been confined and making it back to the dormitory where we were staying. When we insisted that he go back he finally did, only to return again, with the doctor in tow for a shared pint. (By the way, the messed up shoulder in no way impaired him from trying to grab the ex-pat )of course attractive) nurse from New Zealand while she was tending to him).
All that said, I am so sorry for your latest loss. I simply hope that now Billy, as well as Dougie, will be looking down on and continuing to encourage you in all you do. Please accept my sincere condolences.
David Labovitz
Posted by: David Labovitz | August 25, 2006 02:38 PM
Dear Clark, Having been a friend of your sister, Denise, since we met in 1990, and having spent many hours working and playing (It IS, afterall, ALL play when you work with Denise!)side by side with her for many of those years, I have to say this photo captures ALL of the stories, memories,and genuine magic that make up the HUGE love of your family.
I was fortunate enough to be a direct recipient of the power that holds and it is no small coincidence that I am reunited with my own family because of it.
(Okay. And Denise can be mighty pushy when she sees the right thing to do. Check out that PUG pose. When she loves you: She OWNS you!)
Everyone should know how much your family adored one another. Everyone should know how proud you are of each other. Everyone should know what that kind of love can do to make a life wonderful. And everyone wishes they did.
All my best, all my prayers and hopes that this time will (fast) become easier for all of you than the deep sorrow you feel right now.
Sincerely,
Mary Madalyn Donovan
Posted by: Mary Donovan | August 25, 2006 07:23 PM
Clark:
Sorry to hear of your recent loss. The photo of your family captures and conveys everything that once was right with America.
Best,
your teammate,
the "guy with the mustache..,"
Posted by: h.i.william few | August 26, 2006 01:00 AM
Clark, Jan and Denise-
I am sorry for the sudden loss of your brother Bill.
When Dad (Jack) told me about Bill's passing, I thought of each of you and Doug.
Thank you for posting your family photo, it was so familiar, I time-traveled back many years. It was very comforting, like seeing an old friend! I think Mom and Dad have the same photo in a picture album.
Please accept my deepest condolences at this difficult time.
Love and Peace be with you all-Sandy (Fleck) Riehman
Posted by: Sandy (Fleck) Riehman | August 29, 2006 02:19 AM