Tuesday, April 7, 2020
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On Monday, April 6, the world became a lonelier place as my oldest brother Paul lost his battle with a relentless killer, mesothelioma. Born in the sun sign Leo, Paul was the bright star in the family solar system, lighting up a room with his smile and boundless joy for life. He was a consummate storyteller, fierce competitor and a gentle man with the heart of a kid who loved to joke. He embraced all that life offered him, whether it was stiff competition at a world power lifting meet, or simply walking the beaches of the Atlantic Ocean with the love of his life, Maria. Everywhere Paul went, he left a trail of new friends and fond memories of a remarkable man of courage and humility.
In the fight of his life, Paul never backed down or looked away. He took each medical pronouncement as a challenge, refusing to wallow in self-pity. His every waking moment was focused on beating the odds ahead, while comforting those around him who feared losing him forever. And while cancer could devastate the human body, it could never diminish the man Paul was. As we worked to ease his pain, he in turn spent every breath telling us how much he loved us, easing our pain in return. They were the last full sentences he said, “I love you; I love you too”.
My brother Paul has left this earth, but not us. I will see him in every bright sunny day, every soft spring breeze, the sound of the ocean. I know he walks beside me every day, teasing me with a grin and an eye roll, but always giving strength with his love for us. I will miss you forever, Paulie.