It’s time once again for the annual Salute To Diggy trip to the casino. As some of you may know, Diggy is my brother who crossed the veil nearly eight years ago. It seems like it was just yesterday that I saw him; at the same time it seems like it was forever ago that I saw him. Anyone who has lost a sibling probably knows what I’m talking about.
Diggy had a penchant for the slot machines. He’d visit the local casinos when he could and had a field day in Vegas.
Every year between the end of January and beginning of February Husby and I go to the casino in honor of Diggy’s birthday. For me it’s sort of like a yearly visit with him; I’m talking to him in my mind a lot of the time while I’m plugging my money in and spinning the wheels. I remember him, get things straight with him, ask advice from him, and also plead to him for some good luck. If anyone could give me good luck at a slot machine it would be Diggy.
I don’t know what people might think of my methods of connecting with my brother. Some may think I should be spending time in a church instead. Some may feel I should be floating in a boat at sunset in my attempts to commune. In my mind, enveloping myself in the darkness, noise, and anonymity of a crowded casino brings me as close to my brother as I can get.
He loved the slots. I’m pretty sure he’s right there with me when I’m taking chances. If only I could high-five him when I win big.
Auntie B's Wax 
So sorry you lost your brother. I think this is lovely though, how perfect to connect to him in a way that totally makes sense to you, and from the sounds of it, what would totally have made sense to him. Why try and do it in some other way that some might see as the more “right” way if that wouldn’t make sense to you? Trying to make a connection, and remember, those that have passed is such a personal thing, you have to be true to yourself in that choice.
Thanks Vanessa. I agree with you completely. I don’t care if people think I’m irreverant reflecting this way. (If I did I probably wouldn’t have written this post!) I’m looking forward to some irreverant mind-chatting with Diggy while the lights flash and the bells ring.
I think this is wonderful! Sometimes, when my sisters and I are gathered together chatting and giggling, we light a candle, in mind of my sister, Sheila, who is gone. It is our way of including her. When I’m gardening, I have long mental conversations with my Dad. Doing things mindfully “together” helps to keep them close at heart, I think. Thanks for a lovely thought, Sara…and good luck!
We’re of like minds, Cindy. Some may think we’re mad including our passed loved ones in our daily routine. I think it’s important to remember them any way we can.
I’d also like to express my concern and send positive thoughts regarding your other sister. I haven’t been able to respond to your post, Poison, but it nearly made me cry. I hope things work out how they should and that everyone can be at peace with it. I’ll put in a good word to Diggy so he can watch over your sister and her entire family.
Thanks so much!
Sara sorry to hear about your brother, I lost my younger brother when he was only in his twenties miss him daily. I love that you do this trip. We use to have a golf day every year for my brother and we would dress up in cocktail frocks and dinner jackets. Take a sip of a strong port and salute him before we played a team game. He loved golf, so I guess we were doing the same as you….. remembering what he loved. The years have gone by and we have not had a golf day in a long time. I wish I had one day where I could sit and have a beer with him. Blessings to you enjoy the precious memories, that is all we have.
Oh Kath! I’m sorry to hear about your brother too! Mine was the baby of the family and left us in a complete state of shock. He would have been 45 this year ~ died when he was 39.
I love the tributes you’ve made to your brother. You should totally do it again soon. Cocktail frocks and dinner jackets?! Sounds like a ball, and what a lovely tribute!
The Dead Sibling Club. It’s a terrible club to belong to and we’re much to young to belong to it, but we are among friends. God bless all the brothers and sisters who have gone before us.
I think this is a perfect way to commemorate Diggy. Celebrate his life and what he loved! And maybe win a little cash along the way… 😉
Sorry I can’t catch up on all of your posts–I’m just trying to make an effort to let you know I’m still alive, kicking, and thinking of you!
HI Lorna! I haven’t been commenting on your blog either, but I’ve been reading. We’re busy, busy girls. I’m thinking about you too and hope everything is fine on your end. Or will be fine. Thanks for your comment, and I’m sure we’ll see each other around soon!