12/05/2006

Generation Why

Remembering my brother

Feeling his presence even though I never even knew him

By SHELBY DURGA

Special to the Record-Eagle

When people think about who their heroes are out of all the people in this world, they think of someone famous or someone that is in their family and has done something great.

My hero inspires me. Plus he will love me forever.

The person I am talking about is my brother Robbie. He didn't have a chance to do great things in this world because he drowned when he was 5 years old. He had blonde hair, blues eyes and a smile that could light up the darkest of rooms. I know it sounds weird that my hero is dead, but he is still my hero.

Even though Robbie isn't alive, he is with me every day encouraging me to do my best. I never knew my brother; I wish I did because everyone in my family tells me how great he is. I feel really bad that I never knew him so I start crying. I don't want you to feel sorry for me, but he means a lot of me even though I didn't know him.

Robbie is my hero because he is the only one I can talk to about anything, anytime, and he doesn't say, "Oh sorry Shelby I'm too busy.” I try to be like him in every way and I feel so glad that I'm not alone. Every day of my life, I wonder what it would be like to have him alive sitting on the bus, and having him live in the room meant for him, and helping me with homework, and all the pros and cons of having a big brother.

My brother touched the hearts of everyone in my family and a little bit beyond. Everyone wishes he were alive, but no one wants him alive as much as I do. I wish I could have met him. Everyone should have had the chance to meet him. He will always be my favorite and only hero.