What Can I Say About You Dear Brother?

On Friday July 8th, 2011 I lost my brother Roger quite unexpectedly.  My brother Roger is the 2nd eldest, after Sergio.  I have a sister, Veronica and then there is me.  My siblings have another mother, but that's another story.  I don't consider them "half" siblings- they are my siblings.  Our childhoods were so radically different- I did not grow up with them.  I'd see them on weekends or as life pushed on, at weddings or family functions.
Roger grew up in the 60s and enjoyed the music of the times.  He even played guitar in a rock and roll group, Lucky and the Charmers.  He was a Viet Nam veteran.  His tour of duty there was tremendous and affected him, as many of our vets.  It was something where he saw death and injuries on a a daily basis.  In 1969 we lost our father, Cesar.  That affected my brother as well.
He married a wonderful woman, Gloria, and together created a beautiful family...my adoring niece Julissa, my silly and funny niece Christina, and my three nephews: Ulysses, Andrew and Lorenzo.  Lorenzo just graduated high school.  These kids have grown to love and somewhat know me.  All this because of Roger and Gloria.
I don't want to go into detail about what led to his death.  Roger was a hard worker and wanted nothing but the best for his family.  He loved his brother Sergio and sister Veronica and me.  Really, words cannot describe this man.  He was deeply spiritual- learning from all the major faiths, from life, and from the people he would meet.  He spoke his mind and would defend his point of view.  Lectures were a dear part of his life.  As I see it, he wanted everyone to lead a good life as best as they could.
He loved to read and amassed a collection of books on practically any subject.  He loved his homeland, Nicaragua and was even planning to retire and live there.  Some dreams cannot come true, but he embodied the spirit of Nicaragua through his conversations and love of music.
My brother may be gone, but I can see him vividly in Gloria, Julie, Christina, Ulysses, Andrew and Lorenzo.  God bless my sister-in-law and nieces and nephews.  I will miss you, brother, and though we saw each other few times a year, you will live in my heart and memories.