Submitted by: Annie Paskovich
Date: Wednesday, September 2, 2020 @ 11:34:49 am
Losing my brother was the most devastating memory I hold to date.
It’s been just over six months since I lost you. I watched you struggle for years but I also watched you bounce back over and over again. Your addiction was a part of you that I never understood. Who you were when you were high clouded the person I knew you were deep down – loving, outgoing, caring, and humble. You never judged anyone. You were the most accepting person I ever knew. You taught me so much!
We share a birthday, too. And this year was the first one without you. Do you remember the time there was a Blue Moon (2nd full moon in a month) on our birthday? Mom, Dad, Mark, you, and I had dinner at a nice Italian restaurant in Metuchen, NJ. We drank wine, ate big meals, and blew out our candles together. This year was painful without you to celebrate with. And I know I always joked that it was my birthday, not yours. Well.. now I wish I never joked about that.
I miss you everyday, Stephen.
Our family is welcoming a new member at the end of the year, but I’m sure you already knew that. His name is Lucas Stephen, in honor of you and your love for Star Wars. Bryan gets to say “Luke, I am your father.” I wish you could be there with us to meet him. I know your spirit will be with us, I feel you everyday.
Until we meet again <3