Yesterday, Monday, I had the sad experience of driving my twin brother back to the airport for a long flight for him to return to his home in Italy. He has been here for one week … and, as usual, I could not have survived without him.<\/p>\n
Words cannot express…
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\n…how I feel about having a brother who is “just there.” He dropped everything and flew to be by my side when my spouse was hospitalized and returned home with ongoing caregiving needs.<\/p>\n
Unfortunately, my workload where I work for a living is at a peak and I could not take off. My big-hearted, extremely intuitive brother just stepped in and took care of me by taking care of my spouse.<\/p>\n
He was rather funny while he was here. He went through my boot collection and asked me, “do you still wear these… and these… and these?” pointing out some boots that had acquired some dust. Yep, he caught me… some boots I no longer wear. Whenever I get some time, I’ll move them out somehow, some way.<\/p>\n
He had the chance to visit some of our family while he was here, as my spouse’s condition stabilized and he could be left alone for a few hours. My spouse still has some residual issues, and is still in bad shape due to his ongoing illness — but at least he is stable and I can be less worried leaving him alone during the day when I am at work.<\/p>\n
When my spouse was not sleeping, he and my brother had many long, long, l-o-n-g talks. My brother and spouse truly enjoy each other’s company and are friends in their own right. I like that and am happy that they have built their own direct friendship.<\/p>\n
Last night, I prepared steaks on the grill, corn, potatoes, and mixed vegetables. My brother, spouse, and I sat on our upper deck and enjoyed a casual dinner and the evening. Warmish but not hot, no humidity, and thankfully, no mosquitoes (yet). I was thrilled that my spouse felt well enough to eat a full meal, and join us outdoors. (You don’t know what a feat that is — my spouse has not eaten a full meal or been outside in months.)<\/p>\n
… and I glanced at my brother… he looked so good in jeans, t-shirt, and a pair of my Lucchese boots. He was such a suit-guy during his career. Now that he is retired, he looks sooooo much better in boots and jeans (over his wife’s objections, LOL).<\/p>\n
Words leave me when it comes to expressing how I feel. I am truly blessed with the best brother in the whole world, boots down. I credit him with encouraging my spouse to feel better, both inside as well as out. My beloved husband still has a long way to go when it comes to recovery, but one bootstep at a time. I am happy that my brother was here when I truly needed him.<\/p>\n
When we arrived at the airport, I stepped out of my truck to help get my brother’s bag out of the back. I gave him a big bear hug and said, “a dopo, mio fratello. Ti amo, sempre.” That means, “’til later, my brother. I love you, always.” He teared up and said the same. <\/p>\n
Life is short: love your brother.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
Yesterday, Monday, I had the sad experience of driving my twin brother back to the airport for a long flight for him to return to his home in Italy. He has been here for one week … and, as usual, … Continue reading