Key Points
Eva shares childhood photos remembering her brother who died of cancer
She finds emotional connection through heart-shaped stones and memories
Carlos passed away in 2016 at age 53
Eva gave birth to her second daughter shortly after his death
"My Big brother. Him in a suit -me in my jammies. This is one of my favorite pics of ours together," her caption read. "Today would have been his 62nd birthday," she posted on April 2, reported People.
In the first photo, Eva was pictured as a child standing next to Carlos. Another photo featured her sitting on her brother's shoulders before the next slide showcased a solo shot of Carlos, as per the outlet.
The post then concluded with a black and white snap of Eva placing her hands on Carlos' arms as they smiled for the photograph.
https://www.instagram.com/p/DH9Ufzoxgev/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link&igsh=MzRlODBiNWFlZA==
Carlos died of cancer at the age of 53 in 2016. Eva's younger brother Carlo Mendez confirmed the news on his Instagram page, reported People.
Carlos "fought with all his might and power," Carlo wrote at the time, adding that his brother was survived by two children.
Meanwhile, last month, Eva opened up about mourning her older brother ahead of his birthday.
"My brother would've had a birthday this April 2," she wrote alongside outdoor photos of herself holding a heart-shaped stone. "He passed almost 9 years ago. Then, less than 2 weeks later I gave birth to our second baby."
Eva shares daughters Esmeralda Amada, 10, and Amada Lee, 8, with her longtime partner Ryan Gosling, 44.
"When his birthday nears, I start to look for signs that could be him. Of course, this can all be in my head, but I rather not believe that. It's not as beautiful," she added in her caption.
"So, here I am, starting to see hearts everywhere and feeling him a little extra right now. More to come, I'm sure," Eva concluded.
In 2019, Eva talked about the timing of her sibling's death and the arrival of her second daughter.
"It's so tough. Thank God I had my baby; it was a week after he passed. So there was something to move forward," she said at the time. "There was poetry to it all."
Speaking about her favorite memories of Carlos, Eva said, "When he used to, at Thanksgiving or a big dinner or Christmas dinner, roast everybody -- but roast you hard."
"Of course, I miss him incredibly, and that's an understatement, but I'm holding on to that tradition," she added. "I'm so happy that he gave me that. I don't think I could carry it on the way he did, but those are some fun memories because he would really get raw," reported Peope.
Comments:
This is so touching. Losing a sibling is one of the hardest things to go through. Eva's way of keeping his memory alive through these traditions is beautiful. ❤️
While I appreciate Eva sharing these personal moments, I wonder if it might be healthier to find closure rather than constantly looking for signs. Grief is personal though, and everyone processes differently.
The photo of her as a kid with her brother got me emotional! You can see the love between them. Cancer takes too many good people too soon. 😢
I lost my sister 5 years ago and I completely understand seeing "signs" everywhere. It's comforting to think they're still with us in some way. Beautiful tribute from Eva.
The part about him roasting everyone at holidays made me smile! Those are the kinds of memories that keep loved ones alive. My uncle was exactly the same way - the life of every family gathering.
53 is way too young. Makes you appreciate every moment with family. Eva's strength through all this while raising young kids is inspiring.
