I have been posting the past few days about my trip west, but I am interrupting these stories to say goodbye, for now, to the best guy on the planet, the universe, and beyond.

Who? Why?

On 27 December, my twin brother showed up unexpectedly to give me the biggest surprise ever. He knew that I was worried sick about having to leave my spouse alone while I had to drive my mother-in-law back to her home in Pittsburgh. He also knew that I was very concerned about missing any work during the month of January, leading up to a major event that I organized and delivered last week in California.

So he traveled all the way from Rome, Italy, where he lives, to stay with me. His wife joined him a week later. They have been with us all of January. I was able to have the time I required to work longer than usual days to prepare for my event, then travel far away and feel less worried about my spouse in his fragile state of health, knowing that someone who I trust and who my spouse adores was there to care for him.

I also had a senior pal who is a retired nurse stay in my house last week, just in case. But for times when my spouse required someone to carry him, my brother was there.

Words cannot express my gratitude to my brother and his wife. They enabled me to worry less, relax, and concentrate on important work that I was doing. They also just helped me relax and enjoy life somewhat. Evening adult conversation, a game of Parcheesi or cards, was so delightful. So much better than watching TV drivel.

Yesterday, I joined my brother and his wife at our sister’s house for a party to celebrate him, and also to watch some football game on television. Yep, another “Super Bowl party.” While I could care less about the game, I was very happy to see my brother enjoying himself. I did not stay long at the party because I did not want to leave my spouse alone for long. Also, the party would go on very late, and I can’t stay awake past 9pm without turning into mental mush.

Before I left the party, I got everyone’s attention and gave a heartfelt thank you to the most wonderful brother a guy could ever have. By the time I was finished, there wasn’t a dry eye in the house, including me.

I begged my leave, and got home by 8pm. I explained everything to my spouse, and he cried a little bit, too. We are fortunate that his health is stable. Though not recovered, at this point at least, he is … stable. No other word for it.

I heard my brother and sister-in-law return home about midnight. I got up and met them to say once more how much I appreciated having them with us for the past month. Alas, today when I am at work, a shuttle will come to pick up my brother and sister-in-law to take them to the airport for their return flight to Italy.

Travel safely, bro. I will miss you very much. I love you!

Life is short: love your brother (and his wife!)