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MEMORIAL FOR MY "BRUDDAH", JAMES DEREK LLOY It is with great sadness that I write this Memorial to my brother, James Derek Lloy. We called him "Jimmy D". Jim recently passed away on January 25, 2000 at a very young age. Jim and I shared the same birthday, July 3rd and thus, we were very close. My world will not be the same without my brother, but I know my life has been enriched by having had him in my life. Jim lived in Maui, where my father and step-mother reside. Jim embraced the Hawaiian culture and the Hawaiians embraced my brother as one of their own and called him "Brother" or "Bruddah". He would call his sisters and myself, "Sistah". He loved everything about the people of Hawaii, the place, the atmosphere, the air. My brother was a wonderful young man. He would give (and quite often gave) the shirt off his back to anyone who needed it. His heart was as big as anyone I have ever known. He had a gentle spirit. When he wanted to, he could make you laugh until your sides ached. He could do impressions of anyone you named. My brother loved to sing. He loved music. He loved his family more than anything in the world. He loved his dog, Smokie. My brother loved gardening and growing herbs. He had a green thumb and made his surroundings come to life all around him with greenery. Although my brother had a great sense of humor, he was also a troubled spirit. I know my brother would want this message that I am about to share with you to be spread as far as it could be spread. DRUGS KILL! My brother made the misfortunate decision to try a very illegal drug many years ago when he was quite young. He did it one time. (Just one) That one and only time made my brother’s life a living Hell. He spent many years seeking a cure to undo the chemical imbalance in his brain (which he got because some "friends" asked him to try it). My brother made it his daily mission to spread the word about drugs so that he could help one person avoid them. So, in memory of my brother, I share this message with you and urge you to share it with others so that you do not have to witness the pain that stems from just "one try". My brother is now in Heaven watching over my family and friends as one of the newer angels. I had always hoped my brother would be my body guard and now I suppose I have him as an even better body guard. He encouraged me to sing and believed in my abilities and always said I would make it. Well, bruddah, I am going to make it and I know you will be up there pulling for me. Jim was laid to rest in the Iao Valley of Maui where he loved to go and be with our dad and his Hawaiian brother, Kaleo as well as all of his mainland friends and family. Jim, I know you can hear me and see this. Your family and friends miss you and love you. We know you are where you need to be, with God, grandma and grandpa. You guys behave up there. "Awake at Dawn with a winged heart and give thanks for another day of loving". Kahlil Gibran Love your entire family xoxoxoxoxoxo |
