Estranged

We hadn’t seen Bobby in over 20 years.

He was more into punching than talking.

After our parents died, I was the only one who stayed in touch.

He always wished me a Happy Birthday.

Teased me when I posted photos on Facebook from a latest trip, Another Joland Adventure.

I called every year or two, emailed a little, texted more.

He wasn’t needy or hungry.

He was always sober when we talked.

Said I was his only connection to family.

Spoke with pride about his daughter’s university degrees, her travels to Europe.

He asked about our siblings.

His girlfriend said he had a stroke a few months before, could only remember our father.

He texted me asking, who is this?

In time he remembered.

He died alone on my birthday.

I imagined him throwing up his hands, a grin, an apology, I didn’t mean to.

He never did.