Brothers and Sisters and a Lifelong Love

Wow!  I just realized that it has been a while since I’ve posted anything.  I apologize for not staying on top of this, but last week was a little hectic. 

First, I had a routine procedure that took me out for a couple of days…  and I mean took me out!  I was fine after the procedure, and wide awake, but when I went to bed that night, I ended up just sleeping for the next two days!  I guess my body needed the recharge. 

After that, Abby and I went to visit my brother and his family for my nephew’s birthday.  While it isn’t the five-mile drive that it once was, it is only three and half hours now instead of the seven and a half that it had been.  It’s an easy drive for a weekend, and it seems silly that we hadn’t been down to visit since November.  We definitely plan to remedy that. 

I am so grateful that Steve and I are as close as we are, since so many siblings don’t seem to share that closeness.  My dad once mused that he worried whether or not Steve and I would have each other’s backs if we ever needed each other after seeing other siblings remain distant.  When Grubby died, it was abundantly clear that we would.  Steve was here that night and took care of me for the next four days.  He went with me to the funeral home as I began the daunting task of planning a service I never wanted to plan.  He was there with Abby and me in court to welcome her into our family officially when the judge granted me custody of her.  He stepped up and gave a beautiful eulogy when I asked him to, even when this was something he had only ever done for a rat on a submarine.  He kept endless pots of coffee made, filled the table with food for the seemingly never-ending stream of guests, and helped me keep my sanity when I felt like I was losing it. 

Even after doing all that, Steve and Shana invited Abby and me to join them on their family trip over Spring Break.  It reminded me of the old days, when we lived in Kings Bay, and I was single.  They frequently included me in family trips to Disney or Universal.  I had a front row seat watching Hallie and Connor grow up for a number of years.  I was there with Hallie the night before Connor was born, and I was there to hold him that night.  Seeing the two amazing people that they have become brings me joy.  Being able to introduce Abby to them and let her know about this whole other family that she never knew she had has been wonderful.  She loves them all so much, as do I. 

Steve never fails to come up with some story to amuse me – at Thanksgiving, it was the squirrels, and this time, it was the groundhogs!  I can’t wait to hear how this one plays out. 

Since the start of COVID, we have done a family Zoom almost every Sunday night.  It has kept us connected with each other much more than routine phone calls, and during all the lockdowns, it gave me something to look forward to.  I know that it helped Mom and Dad too. 

I am so fortunate to have the family I have.  It pains me when I hear of people who don’t have this.  We aren’t perfect, and when we were kids, Steve and I fought like cats and dogs.  We’ve even fought like cats and dogs as adults, but when push comes to shove and our backs are against the wall, the other one has always been there without fail. 

If you are separated from your loved ones, take a moment to tell them how important they are to you.  Tomorrow is never promised.  Eat the damned cake, take the vacation, and savor the memories. 

Steve and Shana, Hallie and Connor, I love you all more than you will ever know, and I am grateful for all of you in my life.  See you again soon, but first, cake!