Anthony Sansbury

I've never been at a loss for words, but lately I find myself adrift in memories, tears, pain and laughter. I've been blessed to share 60 years of my life with a most exceptional, brother, friend and human being. For me, Anthony was the provider of political commentary, sports debates, social lambasting, and business planning sessions. He was my go to, when Steve was simply being Steve and Renee was just not a part of the equation. Yeah, these are the memories which bring a smile to my face, for they are safely stored in this being which you were a part of molding. Yet, they also bring tears, for they are but memories. I will no longer have the opportunity to create new ones, for my brother has passed from this time and place. There is an old pain that has remained, somewhat familiar, but not quite the same. The passing father pain, the passing grandmother pain, the passing uncle pain, the passing mother-in-law pain, supplanted by the passing brother pain, My God pain, once again. O' my brother, the times you had me laughing so hard, I thought my bladder would give way to the urgency which you created. Or, that time you called me and said, "Moses, I just left from talking with Steve. He told me that he needed some help on the newspaper truck. Man, I told him, wait a minute, you are the help. So, you want me to hire some help for the help? That ain't gonna happen!" Man, I laughed so hard, because I didn't have to be there to know that Steve had to fall out behind that one. You always had the perfect comeback. The holiday dinners, where we toss around serious subjects laced with humorous antidotes we would just laugh, especially when it became obvious that mom didn't get it. Then sit back and listen to Renee explain to mom, and just crack up at the fact that she didn't get it either. Yeah, a Shaw graduate would be Steve's reply! Memories all! Memories I'm blessed to have. Being three strong willed alpha males we would oftentimes argue, fuss and fight but, to the outside world we were those Sansbury boys - A United Front. You know Pop wouldn't have had it any other way. You touched a lot of people. A lot of people appreciated you for simply being you. You were never too busy to give of yourself, to share your knowledge, your understanding and your love. You always stayed in touch, with childhood friends, classmates and acquaintances. That was simply who you were! This holiday season there will be two empty seats - the one you've left at the family table, and the one you've left in my heart. I love you Brother!