June 7, 2012 Dear Family & Friends, My memory may not be the best as I grow older, but my memories of my youth are vivid. My brother and I were born 13 months apart and as many close siblings, we fought like cats and dogs, but no one else better tease me. He was my biggest defender. My brother was a scallywag. He delighted in pestering me. I can remember riding to high school with him and careening down a big hill every morning in his model A. He laughed when I begged him to slow down. I was scared to death. I remember another time when Dick, Laura, and I cut up Dad's shaving strap so he couldn't spank us. We got spanked anyway of course. I remember Dick sleeping through a history class we had together in high school. The teacher called on him hoping to catch him without an answer, but Dick always was able to answer correctly, which made me mad because I had to study hard and school was so easy for him. Most of all, I remember how fiercely loyal my brother was. I could always depend on him to help me when I needed help. He and Leone took Laurene and I into their home when I was going through a difficult divorce. He and Martha cared for our mother during her last years; that was difficult, but he had a great love for his family, especially his mother. He was my brother by blood, but my friend by choice. I will miss him. Love, Irene