Our siblings are the people we "practice" on. They are the people we first learn to share with. They teach us about fairness - whether it be cheating at Monopoly or arguing over who's turn it is to go first. Cooperation, caring & kindness all develop from a relationship with our brothers & sisters.
Ed is the oldest of the three Rogalski children. Ed & Len were very close in age - about 19 months apart so it was a tag-team against my Aunty Darlene. I'm sure there were lessons of fairness, sharing & kindness taught.
My Uncle Len left us all way too soon. It broke everyone's heart. Even to write about this today, tears well up in my eyes as I know the importance of him to my dad.
He was a very proud man. He was a very caring man - this character runs through the Rogalski men of my family. I'm also told he liked to have a "bit" of fun. Yes, he had a bit of a wild streak. This legacy shines through brightly in his nephews Shea, Rene & Rodney & so on by generation in great-nephews - Adam, Jesse & Braxton.
Although he is not physically present, his spirit is. Always remembered.
Ed big-brothered the heck out of my Aunty Darlene - and in some cases, probably still does. There is something about being the older sibling & the need to protect. I'm sure it comes as a double-whammy when you have two older brothers like Darlene was so wonderfully blessed with growing up.
As we all grow older, we all eventually recognize the importance of a sibling.
You don't pick your family, you pick your friends. Your sibling is a "given" friend.
Men of the Rogalski Household
First a bother, now a Friend
Len, always remembered.
A family love is a love like no other
The Eaton/Sanche Family