My Brother's Keeper

[milefile]

I'm sad today because my brother left this morning.

He's 11 years younger than me and during my teens and twenties I was never really around. We were brothers but mostly in theory. Early this year he moved to Phoenix, AZ from Chicago (where we're both from) and has decided he doesn't like it here so he went back.

While he was here we actually became brothers again. We hung out and talked, played music, played GT, drank beers and just had a good time. I think he valued the time because I didn't interrogate him and give him a hard time about stuff (like my sister and parents), we just wanted to have fun.

So last night I went over to his place and helped him load his car. We played Medal of Honor on Xbox for a while and just procrastinated saying bye. He bought me some beer (excercising his three-day-old beer buying rights).

I made him promise to call me each night from the road (three day drive from Phoenix to Chicago). Now I feel like a nag

I just feel pretty jipped over it all. It was great having him here and establishing a relationship with him after a long, long hiatus. I understand why he has to leave; I did it so many times. But it boils down to the fact that I'll just miss him. I'm pretty surprised how emotional I am about it. I'm never emotional! Maybe that's changing. And maybe that's good.

 

[GilesGuthrie]

It's good that you took the time to build a relationship with your brother. Now he's left, you're seeing how strong that bond is. The thing with family is that distance shouldn't matter, and you should be able to re-establish the current bond with no down-time.

It sounds like you're in a good palace with your brother, it just doesn't feel like it at the moment. And missing him is something to feel proud of, rather than ashamed.

Good work!

 

[Der Alta]

One of the best things about the internet is how close ou can become to people who are very far away.

My brothers are California and Vermont. I tend to talk to the more in IM than on the phone.

Doesn't substitute for sitting around a fire, and drinking a beer or two, but it's better than not talking for a few years.

hope it all goes well.

AO

 

[1X83Z]

Originally posted by GilesGuthrie
It's good that you took the time to build a relationship with your brother.

Yes. Building a bond with siblings is stronger than any bond a human can make. Never relinquish it.