When we were growing up, and much like other siblings, our nicknames evolved weirdly.
Greg-Grag-Ragamuffin-Muffin-Muff
Leslie-Lester-Pester-Sapester-Sap
Somehow these names stuck through adulthood and it was common for us to greet each other by Muff or Sap! We always laughed when those names were used. Witness the imaginative poem I received one birthday about 30 years ago, complete with a graphic origin drawing 😂
“There once was an old maple tree
Too old to make syrup was she
So she spit out her tap
A young girl of sap
And everyone knew her as Leslie.”
Gregory was my big brother. We were only three years apart in age and while he pursued his own interests and likewise I did too, there was always a bond between us that lasted our lifetime. There were some gaps while we entered different phases of our lives but we always managed to stay connected in some capacity. After my husband passed away 4 years ago, he stepped up in his own way to look after me, as if it were now his responsibility. No matter how capable and confident I was, I appreciated him acknowledging he cared about me, showing an ongoing interest in my life and sharing more of his with me – he was always someone to laugh with, cry with, celebrate with and help each other remember our common bonds. A connection to our past. Gregory and I shared this connection and his death has left a void in my heart and soul but our memories together will always make me smile and warm my heart.