My Brother's Blue Jay

 

My brother John fed the birds outside his home in Ste. Anne, Manitoba. He loved to watch them come to the feeders outside the window. So did his seven granchildren. This jay is snatching peanuts in shells that we put out in John's absence. My brother died on February 15th, 2012. I call this photo John's Blue Jay, not only because he loved birds, but also because watching them when I was there this past weekend for his funeral evoked many stories about my brother. I saw him only every year or so as he did not fly and Winnipeg wasn't on my agenda too often unless there was a wedding of one of his children or a birth or some other occasion. I was glad that my sister, her husband and I were able to visit our brother in January. This last trip was to go to his funeral service where it was apparent that this good man and his loving family have many friends. I said a few words about my brother after his son, Jim, spoke so movingly. A few stories about the early days before any of them knew John. I was two when he was born, I don't remember a time when he wasn't there. It is very hard to accept that he isn't any longer. Such a colossal loss. 

My brother was not a complicated man. He was a man of few words and quite quiet. But it did not take long to know that he was a kind man, filled with love. He will be sorely missed.