Monday, November 19, 2018

IN MEMORY OF MY KID BROTHER, JAMES KIELAR

JIM KIELAR I just lost my kid brother. Not only was he younger, but he reminded me of a big kid. Jim was a family man. He was at his happiest when he was surrounded by his family - even during those inevitable tough times that life has a way of throwing at you. His devotion to his family was the foundation of his actions - the anchor that defined and shaped his life. I still have a plaque that Jim made for me many years ago. It says: ANGELA KIELAR, WORLDS’ GREATEST FITNESS TRAINER. It was really a sweet gesture, and so nice of him to think of me in such a proud way. As you know, Jim was mentally disabled. Because of that, he really never quite recovered from both of my parents deaths, both which occurred in the last 5 years. Jim lived with my parents all of his life, and when my mom died in 2013, his heart was broken. When my dad passed in 2016, his heart was irreparably torn. Every conversation I had with Jim he mentioned my parents, and how much he missed them. Jim loved cars, and was quite handy. I thought it was really sweet when Jim offered to help my mother in law with her car, and he did not want to accept any payment for that. Jim did not marry, and he did not have any children. When we called him, we always asked about how his car was doing, and we chuckled at how excited he was to report the car’s excellent condition. He really took great care of his vehicle. We did not know that Jim’s diabetes was so out of control. He really did not complain. During late summer, Jim stopped by and helped us with some outdoor work. He liked to help out wherever he could. He would say “All you need is a few dollars”—just like my dad would say. We always paid him for his help because he was on disability, and there was always more month left than money. Jim had been hospitalized in mid-summer of this year in order to get his diabetes under control. He looked troubled to me, the last time I saw him, and now I know, he was sicker than we thought, since he passed but a few months after this visit. Jim, my kid brother, it is very hard to say goodbye--- so we will just say so-long. The pages of your book will never be closed, just as the pages of Mom and Dad's books are not closed either. Jim’s last words to me were: I love you! Losing a loved one makes you think about using the present time to say to friends and family instead of regretting the things you DID NOT say while your loved one was alive: LIKE: “I love you”, “I’m sorry”, “I forgive you” and “I care”. Jim, we will miss you, but we will always remember you with love!

1 comment:

  1. Angie,
    I am so sorry for your loss. I hope every day greets you unencumbered with fortitude, grace, compassion, and unconditional love. Your loved ones live on unseen, beside you.
    Peace be with you always~

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