My brother is a rock. He is my three minute older identical twin & someone who I don't always agree with, but respect more than he knows. Along with being a great Dad, and he is also an athlete (pool lifeguard & manager 10 plus years) and a gentleman...well he can be. when he wrars a belt i suppose. Ha! Just kidding B because in twin talk "Bradley" simply to big of a word to say so I abbteviated it to first initial and it stuck. B and C. There have been moments that have tested our friendship, communication, but these are moments and I love my brother very much. Who else can you call for a late night for a burrito and a beer but if not your brother? Are you with me? Brother is a loose term and does not imply blood relation as a brother is a friend, a helper, a confidante, a wingman or someone who simply watches out for you and has your back always.
He has seen me on my best days and on my worst. He cried when I first showed him the Billy on my leg after I tearfully pulled up my shorts to show the ugly tumor. He was there when in the hospital the morning my blood pressure crashed. Despite eight or nine white coated doctors all grabbing at me; it was my brother's hand that reached through the throngs of doctors to comfort me and let me know I was not alone.
We are close. I mean for goodness sake the guy did as I asked when I asked him to push as hard as he could on my groin and bladder to help me urinate when I was unable to make it happen on my own accord. That is love. That is my broham, Big B.
He spends the first and worst night with me in the hospital while: I restlessly toss and turn, the IV beeps its alarm unreasonably to loud to anyone in the vicinity and a rock hard chair as bed. He had nurses walking past him all night, the bathroom light shining in his face all night, and yet as he snored I felt a peace and calm that I was not expecting. Maybe the knowledge that someone, my brother could and would help me if I should immediately require it.
I have missed a multitude of family gatherings, birthdays, parties, lunches due to cancer getting the best of me.. well actually it is those damn secondary infections and fevers forcing me into the hospital or out of large crowds. I was not to be kept me away, by anyone even a doctor, from my brother.
I make it a priority to see him as much as I can. I call him daily to check in and say hello. More importantly, it is my chance to say thank you and to remind him of how much I love him. Other twins can understand and appreciate the kind of bond we share. Most people don't understand it is so much more than a built in playmate or sounding board luxury. Switching classes, being in the same class, and fooling even our closest friends by changing into each others outfit are some great memories I will always hold close & cherish. Friends for life as long as it is for either one of us. What I miss the most is his laugh from the bottom bunk-bed we shared for 19 years. Contagious and inviting as his outspoken personality his laughter could make me laugh for hours and have my sides aching before you would be able to control it. We fought too, brutal conflicts where neither one of us would give or back down. However, simple square footage and time healed many scars and cooled many hot tempers. Ultimately, it was an everlasting love and hope that there was absolutely nothing or no one that could break up our friendship. Love you B.
No comments:
Post a Comment