Arnold

My beautiful, baby brother.  Remember when you use to laugh at me when I called you that?  Although I am the youngest (and only girl), you are the youngest boy of our brothers and are therefore the baby boy.

I remember being with you when you were practicing the Mortuary Sciences.  Mama told me not to watch you embalm anybody because it would give me nightmares.  Well, you know I didn't listen and it didn't give me nightmares. You made it seem like the most natural experience in the world, a part of life.  I never imagined there would come a time when you would sadly, no longer be here.

I also remember when you started Welding.  Do you know I never knew what you liked about Welding?  Then, there was cooking.  You were the best Chef in the world.  I use to stand by you and watch you while you cooked.  You would give me delicious samples of food to taste and I enjoyed every bite and every minute I was with you.  It was a loss for all when you became sick and stopped cooking.

I am sorry that you were sick for so long and suffered so much.  I look forward to the day when we will be together again.  I miss you.  My heart will be broken until I see you again.  I love you.  Until then....

My condolences to Toni, Vic, Dre, Lyric, Spike, Joy and his wife Mary. It is hard to lose a father, grandfather, great-grandfather, brother, and husband.

 Arnold was my uncle growing up. He was married to my Aunt Eve until I was a young adult. 

I have many fond memories of Arnold and the family. In Maryland, I will never forget his support of every family member who passed away. I especially appreciated him curating my grandparents' funerals and my mother's funeral. Arnold or Vic, as he was known to most, was an incredible chef. He was always in competition with my dad Stephen and my uncle Mike. It is hard to say who won that battle. Arnold was also a jeweler in Maryland. I have a beautiful peridot birthstone ring he gave me almost 50 years ago.

One of my favorite memories in Denver, though there were many., was having my engagement dinner with my now ex-husband, James at Cafe Giovanni. At that time it was the only five star restaurant in Denver. Arnold came out of the kitchen to celebrate with us after I said yes. James, Sr.'s favorite date with me was going to the morgue to watch Arnold work on bodies (smile). 

I wish the family a time reflection. He is in your heart and mind and as long as you tell your favorite stories, he is with you.