My brother and me

My twin brother died on October 28, 2018. We had a great discussion a day or two before he passed regarding our growing up years. He and I hunted together all through our teen years. I knew he was going to die two or three years before it happened due to some very serious illnesses. He was in a lot of pain for two weeks before he passed and I think that's what hurts me the most. He finally said I don't want any more medical help so they put him on a morphine drip and he passed quickly after that. At least his final hours were pain free.

I have two brothers.

We are pretty close.

My younger brother and I used to do a lot of stuff together. I can't think of anyone I would rather have by my side in a tight spot. Solid guy. Smart. Tough as nails. Good leader.

We used to goof around with shotguns a lot, tossing up clays by hand and seeing how many we could do. I might grab some shells and some clays and get blasting this weekend, now that I think about it.

He joined the Navy a while back and ended up in Virginia. Which, is about as far away as he could be from me in the US.

Miss having him around. My wife and I flew out last Thanksgiving and we have a trip on the books for August.

My family is all pretty tight and I we all shoot.

I always tell folks to stick close to their brothers. Take care of them. Watch out for them. Beat them up when necessary, try not to get beat up when they think it's your turn.

Nice story and its nice to know that you two at least got together, had fun and built a tradition before one of you passed. My 7 years younger brother and I never did anything like that but I should do something with him when I get a chance. He's by no means anti-gun or anti-hunting ( never even owned a gun) but he never got into anything like that because he was always occupied with other productive things. Don't see him very often as we're almost 100 miles apart but this coming summer I'd bet we could have an informal plinking session and I could even bring our dad's old Winchester Mod. 67, among other things. Thanks for planting that idea in my head.

Enjoyed your post PapaG.

Do not have a brother by blood..... but have had one that I worked with for many years............(Really miss that guy!)

And a couple of friends that are like brothers as we shoot and hunt together.

Reading these stories makes one looking for the "Emoji" that depicts "Tear Jerker"!

Thank you for sharing PapaG
I have no brothers or sisters and I am very happy and envious for all of you and your relationships. Your stories made me both happy and sad at the same time for you guys.
Great memories for sure. It is fantastic you have them.

Thanks for sharing. My brother and I are separated by distance as well... looks like I'll be calling him after work.
Enjoy your match and your memories of the good times.

PapaG said:

Tomorrow would have been my brother's 69th birthday. He died at 59, days before he would turn 60. We lived 450 miles apart but would get together at least yearly for a brother's match. 100 yards, two targets each with .22, varmint caliber, deer size, big bore, and 357 and 44 mag handgun. First target for group, second for score. Get done, come home, break out the calipers, beer and quarters and score. Hours later, his pile slightly larger. Both exhausted from laughter. Miss him. Some years I shoot my summer trap league match with his 870TC. This year I'm taking his 1894 Marlin 44 and my Win 94 44, his sixties Super Blackhawk and my 29-2 to the club and duplicate the old matches.
Prediction, he will win. I will choke up.
Then, I will grill burgers and drink a few Miller Lites, his (ugh) choice.
Let you know how it goes.
Stan

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That was a beautiful story and one that at 71 [ with a brother turning 70 this year ] I can fully appreciate and find touching AND scary.

None of us will live forever,so I have come to the conclusion that at least one with pass before the other [ goes for close friends AND wife ].

So that makes me try really hard to appreciate all that I have at the moment = called " MINDFULLNESS ".

Thank you that "moment" and enjoy your loss to your brother !