Joel Orr's World

"He's in the hospital. He had an aneurysm and internal bleeding," said my cousin, calling yesterday from Las Vegas.

Jerry's heart stopped twice before the surgery even began. They revived him both times. But an hour or so into the procedure, he left and did not return.

Jerry and I had an unusual relationship for brothers 2.5 years apart in age. My wife Dalia says we were more like twins, in our no-jealousy unconditional acceptance of each other.

We were close, despite infrequent contact -- emails from time to time, a phone call every month or so.

Everyone who knew Jerry loved him. He was a man of his word, and his belief in people knew no bounds.

The book of Jerry's life was not exactly what he thought it would be, but it was a good one, full of love, trust, caring, and giving.

I miss him.