Over the years, longtime Springfield (Mass.) Republican writer Fred Contrada has written about the adventures he's had with his younger brother Anthony. Most recently, he shared with readers a road-trip to South Dakota with his brother, who had just completed a round of chemotherapy.

His brother passed away recently, and here is Fred's moving farewell tribute column. If you've shared a life with a treasured sibling, or if you've lost a brother or sister too soon, I know you will appreciate this piece.

Life is short. Call your sister tonight!

                                                                           --BJ Roche