Today is my cousin’s birthday.
Paul, the ‘cowboy’ as seen in this photo below, circa 1980’s, always had a big smile on his face. 
Unfortunately we celebrate Paul’s birthday without him as sadly his life ended a few years ago. But our lost loved ones are always in our heart!
Paul was ‘my brother from a different mother’ as he was my mother’s identical twin sister’s son. 
And when you have 2 mothers that are so identical their offspring are bound to be close. And Paul and I were.
Paul had a passion for antiques and the 2 of us were often attending antique auctions together. In those days I had a penchant for antique furniture (yes it’s true!) and we would load up my car to the brim with all the great finds.
But none was as memorable as the time we purchased an antique cast iron wood stove that weighed over a ‘million’ pounds. We loaded that behemoth beast into the back of my hatchback and drove it all the way back to the city. Let’s just say that we were quite the sight driving down the highway with the front tires barely touching the road. I sold that car soon after!
That wood stove still holds a big place in my heart as it is the focal point of my cottage. It withstood the recent renovation, 
And now holds pride of place in the cottage.
Thanks for the memories.
Rest in peace Paul. xo
All Images via MODMISSY
MODMISSY 
Thanks for sharing this, Michele.
John
John McCurdy Copywriter Rogers Creative Group 370 King Street West Suite 435 / 4th Floor Toronto, Ontario M5V 1J9 416.764.1229
From: MODMISSY <comment-reply@wordpress.com> Reply-To: MODMISSY <comment+rf5q_kc5s99ryevb-icmd0o@comment.wordpress.com> Date: Tuesday, March 3, 2015 at 10:16 AM To: John McCurdy <john.mccurdy@rci.rogers.com> Subject: [New post] Lost But Never Forgotten
Modmissy posted: “Today is my cousin’s birthday. Paul, the ‘cowboy’ as seen in this photo below, circa 1980’s, always had a big smile on his face. Unfortunately we celebrate Paul’s birthday without him as sadly his life ended a few years ago. But our lost loved ones ar”
Missy, what a nice tribute to my brother! I cried as I read your beautiful memories!! Nothing pleased Paul more than helping people and especially seeing his finds in people’s homes!
This lovely family story is very touching. I am sure Paul enjoyed trawling for treasures with you too!
Holding those memories dear keeps him close. Always.
Wow! I am typing this through teary eyes and a smile. I had toasted our Paul earlier today. What a beautiful tribute to Paul.
Happy Birthday and RIP Paul!
Thanks Missy!!
Love your blog!!! Your Mom was so beautiful. Keep up the good work.
Thank you for sharing your memories of my brother Paul on that special day. I, too, was touched many times by his generous nature, and we have many mementos from him such as a handcrafted wooden bench at our cottage. No matter how many years pass I always think of him and the twins in early March because they shared birthdays so close together and we always had a double family celebration.