Brother Dave (a Tribute)

Brother Dave was born third in line—

a trio of boys, brothers a year

apart in our family.

Brother Dave had no choice, third in line—

a trio of three brothers born to his

place in our family.

Brother Dave was third in line—a trio of

brothers to attend school in our

family.

Brother Dave was a quiet and shy child.

What else could he be, third in line—

a trio of brothers in our family?

Brother Dave was third in line—three

brothers to marry, to have children

and raise his own family.

Brother Dave was third in line—a trio of

brothers to reach the venerable

age of seventy.

In his lifetime, Brother Dave was the first

of the trio of brothers to be stricken with

all the major medical maladies…

first to have cancer…

first to have surgery...

first to have a kidney removed…

first to be on dialysis…

first to have a heart attack and quadruple bypass...

Brother Dave was first in line—to have lung cancer…

the first to call his two brothers and say his last goodbyes.

Just a reminder, each and every one of us are summarily placed

in line, both first and last in Lifetime’s race against time.

And, I am tearfully sorry Brother Dave was forced to buck the line.

Brother Dave deserved more than a blue ribbon or trophy for that.

                                    -30-

Chris Hanch 4-6-2020