Remembrance: Final words to Paul from Orlando (brother) read by Nicolas (Orlando's best friend and a close friend of the family)
Paul - Pablo, my brother. As I try to process the fact that we will not be able to talk about our latest exploits, your new inventions, and how to better ourselves as men, Honestly, I feel robbed. I feel cheated and sometimes I feel angry.
I will always remember our DJ and gospel party exploits. I will miss our judgment-free-zone talks and I will never forget your prayers and words of wisdom - I think that is what I will miss the most, your wisdom - perfectly packaged in parables.
I remember when I had just got engaged to my now wife of 16 years when you pulled me aside for another quick chat about relationships and marriage. This time you had five words for me - you said “Lando, when you get married, you have to be firm... you have to be firm.”
The second time you said it, you were slower, more deliberate, and reflective in your words. I then realized your ‘firm’ did not mean to be obstinate, unyielding, or unbending. I realized that your ‘firm’ meant resolve - the definite or earnest decision to make my marriage a lifetime commitment. I WILL NEVER FORGET THOSE 5 WORDS - SIMPLE YET DEEP.
The depth and wisdom embedded in just these 5 words have stuck with me for the last 17 years. Paul, this is just one example of the many conversations and mentorship moments that I had with you, my brother. I will miss those conversations a lot...I miss you, my big brother.
I end with a poem that captures the way I feel now.
It is titled Remembrance: Final words to Paul from Orlando (brother) read by Nicolas (Orlando's Best Friend)
Paul - Pablo, my brother. As I try to process the fact that we will not be able to talk about our latest exploits, your new inventions, and how to better ourselves as men, Honestly, I feel robbed. I feel cheated and sometimes I feel angry.
I will always remember our DJ and gospel party exploits. I will miss our judgment-free-zone talks and I will never forget your prayers and words of wisdom - I think that is what I will miss the most, your wisdom - perfectly packaged in parables.
I remember when I had just got engaged to my now wife of 16 years when you pulled me aside for another quick chat about relationships and marriage. This time you had five words for me - you said “Lando, when you get married, you have to be firm... you have to be firm.”
The second time you said it, you were slower, more deliberate, and reflective in your words. I then realized your ‘firm’ did not mean to be obstinate, unyielding, or unbending. I realized that your ‘firm’ meant resolve - the definite or earnest decision to make my marriage a lifetime commitment. I WILL NEVER FORGET THOSE 5 WORDS - SIMPLE YET DEEP.
The depth and wisdom embedded in just these 5 words have stuck with me for the last 17 years. Paul, this is just one example of the many conversations and mentorship moments that I had with you, my brother. I will miss those conversations a lot...I miss you, my big brother.
I end with a poem that captures the way I feel now.
It is titled God’s Garden, By Melissa Shreve;
God looked around his garden and found an empty place
He then looked down upon the Earth and saw your tired face
He put his arms around you and lifted you to rest
With the help of his angels, they flew you to your heavenly place
God's garden must be beautiful, he always takes the best
He knew you were suffering, he knew you were in pain
He knew that you would never get well on Earth again
He saw the road was getting rough and the hills too hard to climb
He closed your weary eyelids and whispered “Peace be Thine”
It broke our hearts to lose you but you didn’t go alone
For part of us went with you the day God called you home.
PAUL, MY BIG BROTHER - May your soul rest in sweet peace
