My Blue-Eyed Brother

Michael Anthony

May 2, 1966 - January 12, 2022

About three weeks ago, I made a trip back to Indiana. It had been just over two years since I had last been there. I was going back for my younger brother Michael's funeral. He had battled heart disease for many years. He was 55 years old.

Michael was my only blue-eyed brother. His eyes were a beautiful, icy blue.

He graduated from high school in 1984 and joined the U.S. Army and served with the 101st Airborne stationed in Germany.

I remember getting a large envelope in the mail back then. It had come from Germany. Inside was an 8x10 photograph of a beautiful German cow. My brother Michael had taken the photograph, had it enlarged and surprised me by sending it. I collected cow statues and things at the time. What a very thoughtful thing Michael did. 

I have another very fond memory of Michael. We were at a country/western bar-dance hall (I cannot remember the name) and he taught me the Texas Two-Step. Michael was a very good dancer and a patient teacher (I love to dance, so I was a quick study). When we danced, it was as if we were both weightless and glided across the dance floor. It seemed like we were one being, seamless in our movements. I had never experienced dancing like that before and probably never will again. Thank you Michael. 

As you could probably deduce from the hat, shirt and jacket Michael is wearing in the first photo, he had Harley-Davidson motorcycles. He loved to ride and had motorcycles for many years.

Michael and his wife Lisa were married for 32 years. They have two beautiful children, Jessica and Sean.

Michael and his family would come down to Florida and stay with us. They visited us while we lived in Key West and the Panhandle. We also took a trip to New Orleans together.

About 2-1/2 years ago, Michael became a grandfather. He liked to be called Pop-Pop. His son's wife gave birth to a boy and they named him Thorton Michael. He was Michael's most beloved grandson.

Michael's funeral service was lovely. Many family members and friends came and paid their respects. My dear friend, Kim came. It was so good to see her. Her younger sister was a friend of Michael's. It was very touching to hear the heartfelt words spoken about my brother. As we get older, move away and get busy with our own family lives, we sometimes miss parts of our siblings lives. It was wonderful to hear how my brother's life and love touched others and to see how many good friends he had. My sweet, blue-eyed brother.

All but one of my siblings was able to attend Michael's funeral. Two sisters drove up from Georgia, one brother drove in from Iowa, another brother still lives in Indiana and did not have far to drive, another sister drove up from Florida when she learned of Michael's death to help out Lisa and I flew in from Florida. Lisa had us all stay with her. She said she felt Michael's spirit was with us while we were all together. Michael would have wanted it that way too. It was so good to see my siblings again. I love you guys!

My youngest brother played the bagpipes for Michael when everyone arrived at the cemetery. Among some of the songs he played were the U.S. Army song and Notre Dame's fight song. Michael was a big Fighting Irish fan.

There was a gun salute as well, as Michael was buried with full military honors.

My two brown-eyed brothers saying their goodbyes to Michael.

We all went back to Michael and Lisa's house once the graveside ceremony was finished. Lisa had mountains of bar-b-que and all the fixings catered in and it was all ready when we arrived. It was good to sit, talk, visit and eat. 

It feels sad and strange to have one of the eight gone now. When one of your siblings passes away, it makes your mortality so much more real. I love you Michael, say hello to Mom and Dad.

Our family chain is broken

and nothing seems the same,

but as God calls us one by one

the chain will link again.

-Ron Trammer @ loveliveson.com

(Many of the photos were copied from Michael's Facebook page and those of his children. I ask for permission now as well as forgiveness for their use)