He would have been 50 years old today

He would have been 50 years old today. He was 29 in this photo (one of my favorites), happy and "going places" until shortly after this when the woman he loved suddenly left him. He only made it to 33. He has now been gone from us for half as long as he lived, and still, everyday, he is a part of our lives. What would he look like at 50? What would his life have been like if he had been able to get past the horrible years he had in 2007 and the beginning of 2008? What might he have found for purpose? He had so much to give, and nowhere to give it. No one to love, at least not in a romantic relationship. Could he have overcome his terrible asthma? I can't imagine how horrible it must have been not to be able to breathe.

We will miss him, his boisterous "gentle giant" presence, his bear hugs, his sense of humor, his infectious laugh, his patient ability to explain things, and so much more, every day of our lives. I hope others remember him, as so many did right after he died in 2008. I hope they still think of him. I don't think he ever really knew how many people cared for him. I want him back.