Summary

The article "April Fool On The Hill Of Love" is a heartfelt tribute to the author's late brother, Chris, recounting their deep connection, a memorable party, and the impact of his sudden death, emphasizing the enduring power of love and compassion.

Abstract

"April Fool On The Hill Of Love" is a poignant narrative that pays homage to the author's brother, Chris, on his birthday. The story weaves through fond memories of their close bond, characterized by a shared eccentricity and understanding. A particular incident at a party in Queens, New York, showcases Chris's calm demeanor and his ability to soothe a friend who had an unexpected reaction to brownies. The author reflects on Chris's wisdom, his move to California, and the anticipation of a road trip that was never realized due to Chris's sudden passing from a dissected aorta. The family's decision to donate his organs and the stories of how they helped recipients around the world illustrate Chris's enduring legacy of kindness. The article concludes with a celebration of Chris's life, highlighting the transformative power of love and the ways in which he continues to inspire those he left behind.

Opinions

The author holds Chris in high regard, considering him a source of wisdom and a kindred spirit.
Chris is portrayed as an eccentric yet compassionate individual, capable of calming others with his presence.
The author believes that love is the most important aspect of life, as evidenced by the deep affection for Chris and the continued connection felt even after his passing.
The decision to donate Chris's organs is seen as a testament to his generous spirit and the positive impact he had on the world.
Music, particularly Van Morrison's, is an integral part of the author's memories of Chris and serves as a comforting element in the grieving process.
The author suggests that Chris's essence lives on, not only in memories but also through the lives he touched with his organ donations.

April Fool On The Hill Of Love

A story of compassion, laughs, tears, most of all love

Vickie Trancho~Author, Woodstock, NY 2006

By now you can see I’m all about our ancestors. Today was my brother’s earthly birthday. Fond memories of Christopher today. This is an article I wrote in 2006 about him. Twenty years and I still reach for the phone to heaven when I need advice. Love is everything.

In honor of April Fool’s Day, the DJ on my morning radio program was playing songs with ‘fool’ in the title. Next thing Paul McCartney is singing ‘Fool on the Hill’, one of my fave Beatles’ songs.

It reminds me of my brother Chris. I’m blessed with a lovely sister and five wonderful brothers. Chris and I were simpatico. We got one another. We were in the same groove, on the same wavelength. We may have been considered a bit more eccentric than our siblings, which is quite a statement if you know our family.

Back in the day, Chris and some friends rented a house in College Point, a location in Queens, New York, known to be the northernmost tip of the Bermuda triangle. On a moonlit night, the boys decided a party was in order. Arriving fashionably late, accompanied by my friend known affectionately as ‘The Hat’, I surveyed the grounds. The yard was alive with people enjoying various beverages and refreshments. Hey, it was the ’70s, you get the idea. We entered the house and found ourselves in the kitchen. Someone had baked a huge, gooey fudge layer cake, decorated with tiny chocolate babies and a gazillion sprinkles. Next to the cake was a pan of brownies, still warm from the oven. The aroma was heavenly.

The Hat did not resist temptation. Deftly lifting a brownie from the pan, he consumed it in three bites. Smiling, he poured some wine for us and we retired to the veranda. Okay, it was the backyard. Chris spotted us and ran across the lawn.

“Glad you made it. How’s everything?” The Hat swayed a bit, then whispered…“Man, I feel weird. Was there something in those brownies?” Today you may think, how cliche. Then, it was a legitimate question. * “No, just regular brownies, no extras.” The Hat did not buy it. “I better sit down.” Which he did, on the grass under a sprawling oak under the moonlight. I sat next to him. Another roommate appeared. “You need to lie down Hat? You can use my water bed if you want.” The Hat just gave him a doleful look.

“Thanks, Elliot, but I don’t think I can move right now.” Chris leaned down, looking into his eyes. “Listen, Elliot is going to get some chamomile tea for you. You’ll be fine about ten minutes after you drink it. Just relax. We’ll all sit here for a while and listen to Van Morrison.”

That’s just what we did. Miraculously, The Hat was his old self within the prescribed time. It was a beautiful night.

Later, as we drove home, past the wrought iron factory, The Hat turned to me with a smile. “Your bro’s a cool dude. He does that mind control calm you down thing. He’s my man.” Yeah, he was my man, too. Totally cool.

Chris was a wise man. I would seek his advice on many issues. He moved to California, I stayed in New York. He met Mary and her beautiful children. They married and had another amazing child. The laid-back West Coast suited him. It was home.

My daughter and I were ready for a long-overdue visit to Chris and the family. In our last phone call, he was so excited. We would be taking another road trip together. He had the itinerary and the music all planned. Everything was groovy.

The phone rang about 1 AM. It was my Mom, but she sounded so small, so far away. “We lost Christopher. He’s gone.” “No!” I screamed to the Universe. It still echoes in the stars.

Chris died suddenly from a dissected aorta. His family donated his organs. We listened to Van Morrison at the memorial service. We laughed and we wept.

Mary said we should take the road trip, so two weeks later Christine and I flew back. We celebrated Chris, singing Hotel California as we rolled along the highway.

A few months later I received an email from Mary. It told us how his donated organs had been used all over the world. He would have been happy to help each and every recipient. He was a blessing for them the way he always was for us. Very cool.

Thanks for reading, I appreciate you. This one is for Chris, with love.

The Beatles pic~Woodstock summer 2006

*totally untainted brownies, totally man some names may have been changed to protect the guilty Moondance~Van Morrison

Originally published at http://shrineonvickie.blogspot.com.