Thank you, Bar. Yes, rest is awesome. I got home at 3:15am yesterday. A very long day. Always so happy to walk into my house. Best feeling in the world. xo
The smell of my home is reminiscent of the four-leggeds who live with me. It's not the greatest smell in the world, but it's comfortingly familiar, so yes, I agree! xo
I know the strength it took to make the trip to LA. So glad you encountered the miracles of human goodness on your trip. Praying for your brothers physical and spiritual recovery and renewal
Beautifully done, Nan. I love the tone in this piece. I don't remember when my little brother was born, as I was only 18 months. Did I welcome him as graciously as you did? I don't know. After having you here all week as you visit your baby-brother-now-a-man, I'm really moved by this. The love between siblings can be so strong. Even though I don't see my own brothers all the time, when I do, it's all fully there. Conversations start as if no time has passed. We are the only ones who really know what it was like to grow up in our unique circumstances. You make me want to call home.
It was so wonderful to have you here. Tom says you were an excellent house guest. Though it was difficult times for you, we loved your being here. Next time: more air conditioning!
I'm so glad. I like to be a good guest. Tom is a gem. I'm glad he felt that way. And more AC is awesome, but only if it's absolutely necessary. I was very comfortable that way you handled it. Call home! xo
NOPE. Just texted you. I won't get into Albany until 11:30 the earliest (that was the original ETA). But now we're having at least an hour delay. Whatevs. I'll get home when I do. xo
Exactly. As siblings, there's no one else on the planet who knows what it was like to grow up in our family. It's very affirming to have a witness to the cray-cray, even though we have very different memories because of our birth order and age difference, and the difference of being a daughter or son. And thank you for the love and respite you gave me this week. Made all the difference during a very stressful time. Love you, and hugs to Tom. xo
I thought I commented yesterday, but I don't see it. Maybe I'm losing it. This essay was so beautiful. The love for your little brother can be felt coming through in your words. And all the things you remember about that first meeting - really incredible. Siblings have such an impact on our lives. I'm so sorry your brother had such a horrible accident. Hoping you both get that miracle. Take care of yourself, too, Nan. Sending hugs.
Thank you, Nancy. I thought you commented, too. You did tag me for one of yours, so maybe that's what we're remembering? I'm pretty sure you're not losing it! I'm glad I saw him, even though it was sad, we had some lovely moments. For right now, the miracle I'm holding on to is that he didn't die, and from there, so much is possible. Hugs back to you, xo.
I think I did comment, but maybe didn't hit the pink button or something. I do remember tagging you too, as I know how you love your pups and kitties. I had trouble commenting on another person's post yesterday as well, so who knows what was up.
You are wise to hold onto the miracle your brother is still alive and go from there. One day at a time. So trite, but so necessary at such a time. Holding you in my heart, friend. xo
I'm glad you did chuckle, Prajna. It was the only funny part in the essay! And oh, boy, what a terrible thing to do to a newborn (or anyone, for that matter). As the story goes with my brother, during the "ritual" they give the baby a drop of wine as part of the blessing. What I've been told is that when my brother got his finger dip of wine, he licked his lips! "Please sir, may I have some more???"
Oh sweetie, I'm shocked to hear about Steven. Such an earth shattering event, for both of you. I'm glad you made it out to see him. Being the adult can be so hard but you made it for him and yourself and that's beautiful. I'm sure you'll have a lot to process when you get home. Tony and I are sending big hugs and lots of love to Stevie too.
Thanks, Margie. Yeah, the whole thing is overwhelming. I'm headed home in the morning. So much to process. The first time you met him, he was 8 years old. It's all so hard to fathom. Love to both of you. xo
I can imagine all the memories you are breathing in and out while you hold your brother's hand. I believe in miracles, too. Wishing you and Steven a miracle.
Nan, I’m happy you are there with your brother, but I can only imagine how hard it must be to see him after his accident. I’m sending my hope for healing as he recovers. Your touching story of his arrival into your world gave me a peek into the sweet relationship that you began to nurture from the beginning. Such relationships are a gift. May yours, the one between you both, have many more years to grow.
Thank you, Sally. I wouldn't say I'm happy to be here, but I am relieved to see him. I have a much better idea of what he's dealing with, and how long a road this is going to be for him. I love him very much, and we're very different in our approaches to life. And differences don't matter as much as the things we hold in common. xo
The voice of little Nan is so strong in this post. It’s very sweet. I hope it helped you during your visit to revisit the memory of your first meeting ❤️
Your narrative style is incredibly poignant and beautifully descriptive. I'm sorry that your brother had a recent accident. I did love your description of the day you first met him.
Thanks, Rona. I can't believe how fast the week's gone. Today is my last day with him, unless I pop in briefly tomorrow before I head to the airport. xo
It is so good that you and your brother are together for this visit. As hard as it must be for you to see him an a diminished state, I am quite sure you are happy that you made the trip.
I don't think "happy" is the word I'd choose. "Relieved" fits better for me. Many questions have been answered, but many more have come to take their place. One day at a time is all there is right now. And getting him access to good care. xo
❤️
♥️
Thinking about you and your brother. You’re a good big sister. ❤️
Thanks, Bar! Just got back. It was a hard trip...xo
I could feel that. I’m glad you’re home again. Rest will be good.
Thank you, Bar. Yes, rest is awesome. I got home at 3:15am yesterday. A very long day. Always so happy to walk into my house. Best feeling in the world. xo
Agree! There’s always the smell of home too
The smell of my home is reminiscent of the four-leggeds who live with me. It's not the greatest smell in the world, but it's comfortingly familiar, so yes, I agree! xo
I know the strength it took to make the trip to LA. So glad you encountered the miracles of human goodness on your trip. Praying for your brothers physical and spiritual recovery and renewal
Thanks, Dee. xo
Nan. This is a beautiful piece. Your eliquence and poetic descriptions bring these moments in the special category of precious !
Thanks, Dee. xo
Beautifully done, Nan. I love the tone in this piece. I don't remember when my little brother was born, as I was only 18 months. Did I welcome him as graciously as you did? I don't know. After having you here all week as you visit your baby-brother-now-a-man, I'm really moved by this. The love between siblings can be so strong. Even though I don't see my own brothers all the time, when I do, it's all fully there. Conversations start as if no time has passed. We are the only ones who really know what it was like to grow up in our unique circumstances. You make me want to call home.
It was so wonderful to have you here. Tom says you were an excellent house guest. Though it was difficult times for you, we loved your being here. Next time: more air conditioning!
I'm so glad. I like to be a good guest. Tom is a gem. I'm glad he felt that way. And more AC is awesome, but only if it's absolutely necessary. I was very comfortable that way you handled it. Call home! xo
You must be almost home?
NOPE. Just texted you. I won't get into Albany until 11:30 the earliest (that was the original ETA). But now we're having at least an hour delay. Whatevs. I'll get home when I do. xo
You picking up the pups tomorrow?
Yup. Right after 2 cups of coffee and a meeting. xo
Exactly. As siblings, there's no one else on the planet who knows what it was like to grow up in our family. It's very affirming to have a witness to the cray-cray, even though we have very different memories because of our birth order and age difference, and the difference of being a daughter or son. And thank you for the love and respite you gave me this week. Made all the difference during a very stressful time. Love you, and hugs to Tom. xo
Hi Nan,
I thought I commented yesterday, but I don't see it. Maybe I'm losing it. This essay was so beautiful. The love for your little brother can be felt coming through in your words. And all the things you remember about that first meeting - really incredible. Siblings have such an impact on our lives. I'm so sorry your brother had such a horrible accident. Hoping you both get that miracle. Take care of yourself, too, Nan. Sending hugs.
Thank you, Nancy. I thought you commented, too. You did tag me for one of yours, so maybe that's what we're remembering? I'm pretty sure you're not losing it! I'm glad I saw him, even though it was sad, we had some lovely moments. For right now, the miracle I'm holding on to is that he didn't die, and from there, so much is possible. Hugs back to you, xo.
I think I did comment, but maybe didn't hit the pink button or something. I do remember tagging you too, as I know how you love your pups and kitties. I had trouble commenting on another person's post yesterday as well, so who knows what was up.
You are wise to hold onto the miracle your brother is still alive and go from there. One day at a time. So trite, but so necessary at such a time. Holding you in my heart, friend. xo
Great storytelling.
Aww baby boy so lovely and so understanding that you have much to integrate.
I couldn’t help but chuckle at the part, ouch, your eight days old let the suffering commence
Excellent writing and good luck with everything
🌹💜🌹
I'm glad you did chuckle, Prajna. It was the only funny part in the essay! And oh, boy, what a terrible thing to do to a newborn (or anyone, for that matter). As the story goes with my brother, during the "ritual" they give the baby a drop of wine as part of the blessing. What I've been told is that when my brother got his finger dip of wine, he licked his lips! "Please sir, may I have some more???"
Ha!
Oh sweetie, I'm shocked to hear about Steven. Such an earth shattering event, for both of you. I'm glad you made it out to see him. Being the adult can be so hard but you made it for him and yourself and that's beautiful. I'm sure you'll have a lot to process when you get home. Tony and I are sending big hugs and lots of love to Stevie too.
Thanks, Margie. Yeah, the whole thing is overwhelming. I'm headed home in the morning. So much to process. The first time you met him, he was 8 years old. It's all so hard to fathom. Love to both of you. xo
I can imagine all the memories you are breathing in and out while you hold your brother's hand. I believe in miracles, too. Wishing you and Steven a miracle.
Thank you so much, Mimi. Me too. xo
Nan, seeing your brother as he is at the time of writing this must be so challenging. Sending healing light🕯️
It is, Nancy. Very. xo
Nan, I’m happy you are there with your brother, but I can only imagine how hard it must be to see him after his accident. I’m sending my hope for healing as he recovers. Your touching story of his arrival into your world gave me a peek into the sweet relationship that you began to nurture from the beginning. Such relationships are a gift. May yours, the one between you both, have many more years to grow.
Thank you, Sally. I wouldn't say I'm happy to be here, but I am relieved to see him. I have a much better idea of what he's dealing with, and how long a road this is going to be for him. I love him very much, and we're very different in our approaches to life. And differences don't matter as much as the things we hold in common. xo
The voice of little Nan is so strong in this post. It’s very sweet. I hope it helped you during your visit to revisit the memory of your first meeting ❤️
Thanks, Eileen. It did help. It was the only thing that made sense for me to write about. All the other stuff is just too raw.
Hi Nan,
Your narrative style is incredibly poignant and beautifully descriptive. I'm sorry that your brother had a recent accident. I did love your description of the day you first met him.
Thank you so much, Beth. xo
Full of love, Nan. Radiant with it. I’m glad you two are together.
Thanks, Rona. I can't believe how fast the week's gone. Today is my last day with him, unless I pop in briefly tomorrow before I head to the airport. xo
What details you remember. And those little feet - they got me.
Little feet always get me. Even more than little hands, but those are awesome, too. xo
It is so good that you and your brother are together for this visit. As hard as it must be for you to see him an a diminished state, I am quite sure you are happy that you made the trip.
I don't think "happy" is the word I'd choose. "Relieved" fits better for me. Many questions have been answered, but many more have come to take their place. One day at a time is all there is right now. And getting him access to good care. xo