Alter-Ego #4

Backstory – An alter-ego is defined as one’s second self, a different version of oneself to aspire to . . . kinda’ like Clark Kent’s Superman.

A while back I began a collection of short, anonymous tributes to some of my wan-a-bee alter-egos, individuals who have graciously blessed my life by being there to support and encourage me to keep-on-keeping on when life’s journey found me traveling down unpaved roads through dark valleys.

Here’s my alter-ego #4 . . . Carl

No need for anonymity. Carl was my “…sticketh closer than a brother…” brother, now deceased. Intelligent, contemplative, logical . . .  alter-ego characteristics of my younger brother I admired. Sociable, but not particularly outgoing, he would often light up family gatherings with his impromptu, humorous antics.

Some easily espouse their faith. Carl quietly demonstrated his. He listened, and responded with heartfelt compassion. He was my Go-To “…sticketh closer than a brother…” brother/friend. Encourager, supporter, just-as-you-are acceptor, he remained there for me during two of the most difficult years of my life, and beyond until he went Home.

I often wonder if Carl’s career as a textile chemist was the hidden villain in the cancer was he later contracted. But in the interim, my tender-hearted brother enjoyed a relatively quiet, ordinary life with his wife. In retirement he served others as a Certified Nursing Assistant before becoming what I know was his all-time favorite low-pay/high-satisfaction occupation . . . a school bus driver. His students adored their jovial chaperone who spread smiles on their faces along the miles . . . it was a mutual love affair.

Carl’s birthday falls on June 14^th, Flag Day, commemorating the day in 1777 when our country approved its first national flag design. I’m forever grateful for Carl . . . compassion’s caring design God graciously placed in my life when I most needed it.

I miss my compassionate brother/friend. Perhaps there’s some credence to the statement, “Only the good die young.” Regardless, this old boy looks forward to that day I’ll join my alter-ego brother where we’ll both remain forever young together with our Creator.