Fishy Music

It’s been weeks now, since my brother died . I am not sure how the world shifted or how we left this plane of existence since his departure, but life has changed for those of us who knew him and loved him. Today is Jimmy’s birthday, and I expect to be thinking of him throughout much of the day. His life deserves so much more than I am able to share – the scope and effect of his existence and his thinking transcends my writing ability,

He was a handsome jolly baby, entering the world on May 5, 1946 . My dad told the story of the OB doctor emerging from the delivery room, with the statement “It’s a boy. That’ll be a hundred dollars.” Daddy later regretted not saving the cancelled check, a souvenir of the best $100 he ever spent.

The many photos taken of Jimmy with each member of our extended family show just how much they adored him. He was loved beyond measure. His generosity of spirit, and his magnificent career was launched in those early days. 

Remembering childhood with my siblings is a most cherished pastime, as we bring to life episodes that only we know. Sitting at the kitchen table with Jimmy one day last month , I reminded him of “fishy music” he used to play on the piano as we younger siblings “swam” and danced in the living room in our imaginary ocean – calmly when his notes were soft and gentle, frantically when the deep tones rang out the approach of sea monsters. The memory brought a smile to his face in a time when smiles were the best medicine of all. 

Jimmy would have been 75 today, 10 years older than me. That our brother spent many sweet times like this that we can all recount speaks of love. I am more lately considering the fragility of existence – and what is of enduring value. If I understand the premise in his book “Biocosm” , it is that intelligence is the force behind life here and throughout the universe. The beauty of the cosmos speaks to me of love, and good humor, which are in abundance in all my thoughts of Jimmy.