Recently, I lost my middle brother, Patrick, unexpectedly. The shock I felt when Mom called me with the news was immense.

Only 1.5 years apart in age, Pat was there since my earliest memories, intertwined with my childhood, and so with my life. As kids, we drew together, played together, conversed about everything. When we became adults we were generally separated by the sea, but I still shared the bond with my brothers that we had since childhood.

Pat was a talented artist, musician, and fiction writer who enjoyed rap and electronic music. In the golden years, he was a comedian who made people laugh just by being himself. A nice, loving person and a pleasure to be around.

In our grief, my family and I take consolation in the thought that he is now at peace.

R.I.P. Pat. You will always be my brother.