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My brother left me some money, in his estate. It was very challenging, holding that cheque in my hands. I never wanted his money and having it somehow seemed like closing another chapter. Mike never had any money, but was always generous with the little he had, with those closest to him. As a result he was always interested to know that all of us were okay. He was interested in how much things had cost, whether we were saving money, anything to do with affairs financially. The money he left would have been a lot for him and for that and so many other reasons it meant a lot to me.

I decided to buy something to remember him by, something that would go on and on. So, although it felt like an indulgence, yesterday I bought a ring. I still need to get his initials, MBM, engraved on the inside, but it's on my hand and in my mind and my heart, my brother gave this ring to me.

My daughters will wear the ring after me and in turn perhaps they will pass it on to their own families. I will always carry his memory and share it with any who are interested to listen, but now we have a family heirloom, and it came from Uncle Mike.