Gary's Brother, Vic

I got another lesson today about the sad, sudden passing of life. My sister-in-law called at 6 a.m. to tell my husband his brother, Vic had a heart attack and died an hour earlier.  Gary’s grief was immediate, his deep felt sorrow evident as his body slumped, like he had just been hard punched in the stomach, and tears streamed down his face.

Vic was Gary’s younger brother. They were always close, and along with their baby brother, Joe shared many happy times growing up together; First in Kansas, then California.  Gary tells a story of a time when they still lived in Kansas and the three young brothers went Trick –or-Treating one Halloween.  Gary recalls it was dark and patches of snow covered the ground.  They were pleased with their loot as each had a collected a bag full of candy. Somewhere along the way Vic lost his shoes, and walked for a while with just his socks on.  After a fashion, he stopped, started to cry and said he couldn’t go any further because his feet hurt.  Gary lovingly put his arm around his little brother and said, “Here, Vic. It’s okay.  Jump up on my back, I’ll carry you the rest of the way”.  I’ve heard this story many times through the years, and always find it endearing as I listen to the love in Gary’s voice as he tells it, and can picture three little toe-headed boys trudging along the cold country road on Halloween night, one brother shoeless, the other big brother carrying him piggy back, while the youngest brother stays near, following closely behind.

                                                            

Gary reminisces about Vic some more, about how they worked together for nearly ten years at their family owned auto part store , Nu-5 AUTO SUPPLY, and what a hard worker Vic was.   Gary gives tribute to Vic by saying he was a good father to his daughters Linnea and Kim, a loving husband to his wife of 43 years, Yvonne; a dutiful son, and faithful brother and friend.  Gary calls his brother, Vic   the ‘Salt of the Earth’.   

 Vic was also a caring grandfather, kind uncle, and sweet brother-in-law to me. I remember Vic was a sun person, and enjoyed vacationing in Hawaii, but mostly he liked the comfort of his own home and spending time with his wife, and their dog Patsy.

I can’t help but think of the fragility of life, and how in a blink of an eye a loved one is forever gone – no longer do we hear their voice or feel their touch.  No longer can we visit, or call them on the phone to say hello, or I’m sorry, or I love you.  There are no more memories to make, memories to share.  The pain is at times unbearable, and for a while we feel empty, broken and lost.  Many of us have known that kind of anguish; Vic’s wife, his children and brothers know it tonight.  But they and I trust God’s grace rains down on them, and His loving providence will guide them, and all of us who loved Vic through this difficult passage.   We can be further assured with the words from John 3:16 “For God so loved the world that he gave his only begotten Son, so that everyone who believes in him might not perish but might have eternal life”

Gary says his brother was ‘Salt of the earth’. A very high compliment, meaning he was a good, decent, simple, faithful, and caring man  always willing to lend a hand , and give a kind word. Vic, once ‘Salt of the earth’, now adding to the   spice of Heaven.

                                                                 

+ Victor L. Dobbs (March 3, 1942 – June 11, 2012) Rest in Peace, and Eternal Light Shine upon you.