Henry Lee Prestwood, Jr.

My Brother…………….

There’s always one in a family that stands out…..that makes his own path.  In   our family, that was the youngest sibling, my brother Henry Lee.  He was just 9 years old when our dad, a recently retired military man, died of a sudden heart attack at home. Mom and Henry witnessed that tragic incident and I feel that made an indelible impact on his life.  Henry was the “Baby Boy” who grew to be 6’3” and 230 lbs, and to my mom, he became her rock.

Henry was the brother who pushed the limits on the fairly conservative world of our mom and dad.

Be it the length of his hair, his choice of music played at top volume, or his sense of style, Henry was always venturing into new territories.  He played high school football till he broke his collar bone;  learned to play the tuba and trumpet and play in the band; was a proud ROTC Cadet;  got his  degree from  Columbus College,  loved shiny fast cars and pretty girls, and a great game of Chess.  Henry was an avid sports fan, loved Ga Bulldogs, knew the stats of the greats in basketball, baseball, football, huge Race Car enthusiast; always supported all Atlanta Sports Teams, and could make the best BBQ !

 When he wrecked  his  Z 280   at top speed while showing off for his girlfriend in a parking lot,  the car was demolished but Henry and the girlfriend walked away unscathed. They say those who cheat death are living life to the fullest.  Henry did live a full life, despite his too soon death. He loved those around him, and embraced all with open arms and a fearless heart. If you knew Henry, you’d love him, if you argued with him, you’d still adore him.   Henry would befriend and defend the neighborhood dogs, cats and children. He was the kind of guy who truly held no grudges, and would forgive and forget hurts totally.  I admire that quality and told him that often.

After his open heart surgery, he said he had to hurry and catch up and find a wife and have children…now that his heart was going to allow him a long life!  He said he was tired of always being
“alone”.   That plan wasn’t to be.  His health became the focus and there, too, he was easy going  with the doctors , went thru many painful  procedures and setbacks, yet remained optimistic that he’d be ok. 

He lived his life by very basic principles:  Be REALLY kind, Let people know they are important to you, Don’t get too big for your britches; Really LISTEN to people, and say “Thank you” sincerely.  These were lessons learned from our mom and dad, the core qualities of living a good life.  We talked about that during the many months Henry spent in the hospital. Guess Henry came full circle…he pushed the limits but came back to the foundation taught at home. 

We rejoice in the goodness he brought to our lives and will remember and miss him eternally……

R.I.P. Baby Brother………..

I’m Free

Don't grieve for me; for now I'm free
I'm following the path God laid for me.
I took His hand when I head Him call,
I turned my back and left it all.

I couldn’t stay another day,

To laugh, to love or even play,

Tasks left undone must stay that way,

I’ve found that Peace at close of this day.

If my parting has left a void,

Then fill it with remembered Joy,

A friendship shared, a laugh, a kiss,

Ah, yes, these things I too will miss.

Be not burdened with times of sorrow,

I wish you the sunshine of tomorrow.

My Life’s been full, I savored much,

Good friends, good times, and loved one’s touch.

Perhaps my time seemed all too brief,

Don’t lengthen it now with undue Grief.

Lift up your heart and share with me,

God wanted me now.  He set me Free!

Author Unknown