Flying Doves, Fallen Giants
He was a giant of a man, even back then in his 20’s. I was in my early teens, still reveling in the fact I was a ‘senior boy’ and no longer wore shorts to school. I met him when he accompanied my favorite uncle on a break from medical school. Everyone has a favorite uncle/aunt, don’t they? Usually either one closest to their age and thus is the most relatable, or the one who brings the best gifts… So, he and my uncle were classmates and spent a holiday with us, and that was the beginning. He very quickly became a member of the family in his own right, his quick wit and warm, genuine, hearty laughter endearing him to everybody. He exuded a sincerity that was rare and refreshing, without a hint of guile or subterfuge. He quickly became the big brother I’d always wanted. Always seemed to know the right thing to say, laughed so hard at my jokes I wondered if I was actually that funny, lifted me up when I fell, held me down when I threatened to get too big for my own good,