debut: 2/16/17
39,566 runs
Love shared by two Brothers :A true story
The tale of Richard and Michael is one of tenacity, affection, and the nuanced beauty of fraternity of two brothers. They were born into a busy family of six—two boys and four girls—in the tiny town of Oakville, and their journeys were characterized by difficulties that made them unique. As their sisters developed stable, independent lives, the boys encountered seemingly insurmountable obstacles and relied on one another in ways that characterized their relationship.
Richard, or Rick as he was lovingly known, was a gentle man with a good heart. He never had an easy life. He struggled constantly with his health, and he was slow to pick up things that others took for granted. His world shrank due to incontinence, breathing difficulties, and limited mobility, but his heart remained open and joyful despite these limitations.
Rick's passion for the Toronto Maple Leafs was unwavering, and the sight of their distinctive double blue colours would make his face light up. In a modest but loving act of concern, his brother Mike would make sure Rick's room was consistently painted in those cherished colors.
But Mike had his own problems to deal with. He was a warm and affable man who spent a large portion of his life battling addiction. Despite the negative effects of drugs, he was able to make ends meet by working odd jobs and painting, which was one of the few things he did well. Mike never abandoned Rick in spite of his difficulties. The brothers actually had a special symbiotic relationship. Mike occasionally felt as though Rick's calm presence served as an anchor, guiding him through periods of sobriety and even moments of clarity.
They frequently shared housing, forming a delicate but sincere relationship centred on taking care of one another. He loved the Caribbean sweet potatoes, cassava, and pound plantain with turkey and potatoes with gravy, and Mike and Rick would always thank me for the Christmas dinners over the years.
As they lived together for the past 15 years, their relationship grew closer.
Rick required a lot of care—someone to cook, clean, and shop—and Mike filled that need with a poise that belied his own challenges. He took on the role of Rick's caretaker, ensuring that his brother was fed, cozy, and surrounded by the things that brought him joy. Even as his own health started to deteriorate, Mike found meaning and motivation in this role.
But time had a negative impact on both brothers. Over the past few years, Mike's health has deteriorated significantly. He became incontinent, his breathing became labored, and he required a scooter to move around. Despite this, he continued to care for Rick, holding onto the bond that had sustained them over so many years. Rick passed away in his bed a few days ago. His absence creates an unfathomable void.
Now, Mike's future is in doubt. Without Rick, who gave him stability and guidance, the road ahead seems challenging. He is grieving profoundly, has limited resources, and his health is in jeopardy. But even in this time of loss, their story serves as a testament to the power of love and the human spirit's tenacity. Despite the challenges in their lives, they had each other, and perhaps that legacy shouldn't be forgotten. They were perfect, messy, and breathtakingly beautiful.
RIP Rick
Sarge
The tale of Richard and Michael is one of tenacity, affection, and the nuanced beauty of fraternity of two brothers. They were born into a busy family of six—two boys and four girls—in the tiny town of Oakville, and their journeys were characterized by difficulties that made them unique. As their sisters developed stable, independent lives, the boys encountered seemingly insurmountable obstacles and relied on one another in ways that characterized their relationship.
Richard, or Rick as he was lovingly known, was a gentle man with a good heart. He never had an easy life. He struggled constantly with his health, and he was slow to pick up things that others took for granted. His world shrank due to incontinence, breathing difficulties, and limited mobility, but his heart remained open and joyful despite these limitations.
Rick's passion for the Toronto Maple Leafs was unwavering, and the sight of their distinctive double blue colours would make his face light up. In a modest but loving act of concern, his brother Mike would make sure Rick's room was consistently painted in those cherished colors.
But Mike had his own problems to deal with. He was a warm and affable man who spent a large portion of his life battling addiction. Despite the negative effects of drugs, he was able to make ends meet by working odd jobs and painting, which was one of the few things he did well. Mike never abandoned Rick in spite of his difficulties. The brothers actually had a special symbiotic relationship. Mike occasionally felt as though Rick's calm presence served as an anchor, guiding him through periods of sobriety and even moments of clarity.
They frequently shared housing, forming a delicate but sincere relationship centred on taking care of one another. He loved the Caribbean sweet potatoes, cassava, and pound plantain with turkey and potatoes with gravy, and Mike and Rick would always thank me for the Christmas dinners over the years.
As they lived together for the past 15 years, their relationship grew closer.
Rick required a lot of care—someone to cook, clean, and shop—and Mike filled that need with a poise that belied his own challenges. He took on the role of Rick's caretaker, ensuring that his brother was fed, cozy, and surrounded by the things that brought him joy. Even as his own health started to deteriorate, Mike found meaning and motivation in this role.
But time had a negative impact on both brothers. Over the past few years, Mike's health has deteriorated significantly. He became incontinent, his breathing became labored, and he required a scooter to move around. Despite this, he continued to care for Rick, holding onto the bond that had sustained them over so many years. Rick passed away in his bed a few days ago. His absence creates an unfathomable void.
Now, Mike's future is in doubt. Without Rick, who gave him stability and guidance, the road ahead seems challenging. He is grieving profoundly, has limited resources, and his health is in jeopardy. But even in this time of loss, their story serves as a testament to the power of love and the human spirit's tenacity. Despite the challenges in their lives, they had each other, and perhaps that legacy shouldn't be forgotten. They were perfect, messy, and breathtakingly beautiful.
RIP Rick
Sarge
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