Tonys Chamber - For Blue

For My Brother

Robert Shane "Blue" Harden

My grandmother Nadine (L) and Blue (R).

April 22, 1973 - October 31, 2001

On October 31. 2001, I lost my younger brother. To say that a large part of me died with Blue is an understatement. To say that I will never again celebrate a day that brings so many children, of all ages, joy is another correct statement. October 31, 2001, was a day that the Master gave me a wake up call in so many ways.

Someone said that we take the people for granted that mean the most to us and that we know deep down in our hearts that we can count on the most; that is true. I was always so sure that I would be the first of us to pass away and I even wanted it that way.

So many people have dark sides that they keep from the world, but Blue had a light side that he chose to keep to himself. I have heard so many stories of things that Blue did to help others that I have learned more about him now than I knew when he was here with us. I have to say that I'm glad that he chose to keep his tender hearted side away from me because I would have criticized him for not being more selfish, and introverted, like me. Blue has taught me that life is not about going inside of yourself. I know that the best I can do is to try to live like Blue lived, but I know that I'll come up short on that in many ways.

I look forward to the day when Blue and I can get together and discuss things again.

	Blue looks like he's having fun being one of the kids.
	Blue, with Phillip, looking so content.
	My brother, Blue.
	Who says Santa Claus has a beard and wears a red suit?
	Blue the way I'd like to remember him.