My Brother Edd

Today marks the 57th anniversary of the birth of my brother, Edd. He died two months before his 51rst birthday, from hepatitis C contracted in Viet Nam. He never understood his importance in our family, nor would he have expected his passing to have the effect it did on the family as a whole, as well as the individual surviving members. He was our oldest brother's closest ally. He was Ma's "lost boy", having run away/whereabouts unknown on and off through the 60's and 70's, and he was my primary caregiver in early childhood. He helped shape my sense of humor--we shared a love of the absurd. He was a photographer in New Orleans, and a Harley Davidson mechanic here in Austin. He was also an excellent semi professional poker player, and was very generous with his considerable winnings. He saved the day more than once for several people with his generous nature. His wake was like a cross section of the population of earth--as diverse a group as one could imagine. He was accepting of others and more charismatic than he knew. It has been six years since his passing, and I do miss him dreadfully.
Happy Birthday, Edd.