For my brother whom I loved, I will never forget. I will love you always.
You will never be far from my heart.

with love always,
your sister
jan

Dear John,

We all miss you terribly. You were a wonderful and devoted husband to me, a devoted brother, and a great uncle. I miss your smile, the way you walked, your sense of humor, your steadfastness, companionship, liveliness, honesty, integrity, and generosity of spirit.

Here's a poem for you, John, by Rainer Maria Rilke:

You don't survive in me
because of memories;
nor are you mine because
of a lovely longing's strength.

What does make you present
is the ardent detour
that a slow tenderness
traces in my blood.

I do not need
to see you appear;
being born sufficed for me
to lose you a little less.