For My Brother

By: Shelly Domenici

You left without

Warning.

Gone so fast.

Now all we have

Are memories

Of our past.

You are loved by so many.

You might not

Have known,

But in our hearts

Is where

You have grown.

The memories

I have throughout

The years

Will last

forever with

Laughter and tears.

I will miss you

Oh so much.

So will all

The lives that

You have

Touched.

I can't say goodbye.

I can't accept

Your death.

You will live in my heart

Forever

Until my last breath.

Love Always,

Your brother Dean, and your sister-in-law Marie

It was my birthday and my family asked me what I wanted. I told them I wanted to go to the Giants Training Camp. They said yes! Skip, my oldest brother, Dean, Jerry, and me. I was so excited! It took 5 hours to get there. We walked around and then went to the gate where all of the players practice and pass the ball. There was a large sign that said, "DO NOT TALK TO PLAYERS." Skip and I got into a perfect position to see all of the guys and watch the practice. After all of the players passed us, I saw Eli Manning coming our way. I yelled, " Eli - It's my birthday!" As he passed me, he wished me a Happy Birthday and said "Have a great year!" 

I could barely contain myself. Then I saw Skip staring at me. He wanted to know if I saw the BIG letters on the BIG sign. I told him that I forgot my glasses, to which I reminded him that I didn't wear glasses (at the time.) We walked back to where we could meet up with my other brother and my husband in silence. Over dinner, he told my story to the others and he started to laugh. They all laughed so much and I told Skip that I bought him something from the Gift Shop. He opened it - an Eli Polo Shirt and once again, I was in trouble. 

When we got home, Skip was leaving the next day. I noticed the beautiful cross he wore. I could tell that it meant a lot to him. Sherry had given it to him. I think it gave him the feeling of his love of God. He was about to battle a tough opponent called Cancer and the cross was a symbol that he was winning. 

After he left, my husband asked what he could get me for my birthday. Guess what I picked. A beautiful cross that looked just like Skip's. I wore (and still wear) that cross every single day as a reminder to always keep Skip with me and join in the belief that he could win this tough fight. 

Thank you for Sherry and all of his family and his wonderful doctor who so believed in him. Skip was extremely lucky to have so much love from all of his family and friends. We love him and know that God would be with him always. 

Uncle Tony, I will miss you so much.  You brought a sense of humor that I relied on as a constant with family get togethers.

 I remember when I first met you I was always so  impressed with your career as a Ford Engineer and if I remember right I think you were a damned space engineer as well.  Not many I know can brag those credentials but I don't remember you ever having an ounce of conceit about any of it.

You lived life humbly and as a servant to God, and were still so much fun to be around.  I am sure that  you have them all laughing up in heaven and that you are sitting not to far from the big Guy's right hand.  

Thank you for everything you brought to our family.  Rest in peace and I will see you on the flip side!

Love you, Jenny

You were loved by so many people. I will miss the crazy, funny Birthday cards. I'm not sure how I will ever be able to buy a car without your help. I still have my 2003 Ford Explorer and my 2017 Ford Escape, both of which you helped me pick out. You were so wonderful to mom.  We all love and miss you.

Debbie