What every big brother should be: he was. Nine years older than this little girl, he was someone to observe and admire.
Oh yes: he was a terrible tease. All the way through his life, he teased the women in his life mercilessly. I remember being at the point as a child, standing in our driveway of the house on Motor Place, shouting with tears “I hate you!” Recalling those moments as an adult, I felt horrendous guilt for those words because of how deeply I loved my brother.
Dick was the strong silent type who kept his struggles wrapped up in internal packages, rarely expressing the specifics to me but somehow letting me know when things were not so great or improving. So much I never knew.
Other than his health in recent years and his desire for more sun, he seemed content.
Because of the age gap between us, we spent most of our lives in different locations and stations in life, but whenever I needed my brother, he was there for me. He was “the protector” without ever having to say so.
The tender side of my brother was most evidenced when Mom died and his tribute to her was a lovely poem he’d written. Such a touching expression from this man of few words.
We all railed at him for his undying devotion to the Oakland Raiders, but we still indulged him with their paraphernalia at Christmastime.
Like all of us he had flaws and suffered the consequences of his actions. But he loved many, cared deeply, and maintained a good sense of humor always looking for the next good tease. And he was loved back.
I don’t know when it was exactly that he decided he needed to firm things up with Jesus, but I’m comforted that he did. He learned the value of prayer, and I know that so many people offered prayers up to the Father for Dick’s healing. Well . . . God answered and Dick’s now whole. No more trying to quit smoking, no more hard-fought efforts to take a mere breath, no more wrestling with sin, no more lack of sunshine, and no more trouble here on earth. I’m sure he got hugs from not only His Savior but from our mom and dad. As much as I’ll miss him, there’s no better place to be than heaven.
Thank you to each one of you who enriched my brother’s life. He treasured many of us just as we cherished him. And although he’s better off, we remain with the hurt of losing him and the precious memories of one Richard James Petrino.
I am so thankful and blessed to have been his little sister. It was an honor.