RIP Big Brother

12/14/73-3/6/14

This past week has proven to be one of the most difficult weeks of my life. On Sunday, March 2, my big brother, Greg had a seizure which caused him to be unconscious and suffer multiple post paroxysms throughout the week. My family and I made the heart-breaking decision to take him off life support on Thursday, March 6 as his brain damage was unsurvivable. Greg passed away shortly thereafter...

We opted to donate my brother's organs to the California Transplant Donor Network in hopes his spirit can live on and potentially save up to eight lives. As of 4:30am on Saturday, March 8 Greg's blood, cells and organs were harvested and prepared for donation. This is a gift that provides our family solace.

Greg was a brother, son, father, husband, brother-in-law, cousin,nephew, employer, neighbor and friend. With his infectious laugh, smiling eyes, goofy facial expressions, funny accents and innate charm, Greg was the life of the party, the one not to go unnoticed and the pillar of strength for his family. Working countless hours with his hands, heart and sweat, Greg made certain to always provide - often time sacrificing his own needs to ensure his kids, Shelby and Hunter never went without. In his final days, I came to realize the amount of pain, sadness and strain my brother endured but despite those challenges it was Greg's way to never burden those he loved. Greg would shield his pain with quips and laughter; and he found solace in dancing, listening to heavy metal and camping with his kids at Twin Lakes. His drive was family, and often our biggest disagreements stemmed from the fact I wasn't close by. That's all he wanted; his family - father, brother, sister, brother-in-law, and kids - by his side.

Greg is survived by his father, James Green in Florida; brother, Desmond Green stationed at Fort Campbell; brother-in-law, Nick Califf of San Diego; son, Hunter Green in Carson City; daughter, Shelby Newton Green in Carson City; mother of his children, Cindi Newton-Green, Carson City; two loving Basset Hounds, Skippy and Lola; and me - little sister, Chrissy Califf, San Diego. 

In memory of my brother, please pour yourself a Caucasian and listen to Free Bird, one of Greg's favorite songs. Love you, big brother.

 

I will miss you, Greggie. May you walk in peace...