Missing my Step-Brother

   When Pat Moreinis married Peter Dodge in 1994, I acquired two step-brothers:  Josh and Bram.  I am the son of Peter Dodge and my brother is Chris Dodge.

   Over the past 16 years, I had the privilege of getting to know Josh and, his wife, Pamela, quite well.  I live in Alabama but usually go up to New Hampshire to visit my father and step-mother over the holidays each year, sometimes I get up for a brief Summer visit as well.

   Over the past 16 years, I accumulated a lot of wonderful memories of Josh.  He really was a fun person to be around.  Always positive, energetic, enthusiastic, and he had a sense of humor too.  Very considerate and decent.  Even though I only saw him normally once or twice a year, I have some very happy memories.  Things like going cross-country skiing in the University of New Hampshire woods, going down to explore tidal pools at Rye Beach, N.H., and family gatherings and feasts.  It was wonderful having Josh and Pamela attend my wedding to Karen in 2006 (yes, my wife and I married quite late in life for first-timers!).  I also remember one time going with Josh to the Kittery, Me. factory outlet stores to visit Brooks Brothers.  I was amused and appalled at Josh's enthusiastic purchase of three suits but, of course, prices at that outlet compared to Brooks Brothers stores in the New York area are much better.  As a frugal New Englander by origin (I've been an Alabamian for 18 years and counting), I was appalled but knowing the price bargains it made sense.  What I treasure about that episode is Josh's delight and enthusiasm as he picked out the suits.

   What makes the loss of Josh so sad to me, also, is the fact that he was the youngest of the four brothers/step-brothers.  I am the oldest and, going by average male American life expectancies, I still should have around 20 more years left.  By extension, Josh should have been around for another 27 years or more.  Obviously, life is unpredictable but it still hurts to lose someone so nice so young.

   All I can say is that it was real joy to have Josh as my step-brother for the past 16 years and I really miss him.  At least we can get some comfort knowing that in his brief time on earth, he lived life to the fullest and made numerous personal and professional contributions that made the world a better place.

Tim Dodge

Camp Hill, Ala.