Number three brother

Family time! What a treasured gift to see two of my brothers in such a short time. We often go years without being together. My number three brother Rene and his wife and teenage daughter flew in from Georgia and we had a wonderful couple of days together. We mostly spent our time around the dining room table just catching up. The three girls did their own share of talking, and Arielle and Liana were so thrilled to spend time with their very special cousin. I so wish we lived closer! Julie is such a good role model for my girls. She is such a joy to be around.

We took a train trip to the city as you might have read about in Liana's post. My brother and my husband are two crazy characters and when they are together, you never know what might happen. While we waited to see Independence Hall, Rene made a strange connection with one of the security guards, who you can see has Rene by the neck. We had some laughs over their shenanigans.

Later on, as we were hurrying to catch the train home, Fred walked on ahead of us and then hid in a doorway, planning to jump out and scare us. The building happened to be a federal detention center and he was sharply reprimanded by an employee who demanded to know what he was doing. Fred just said, "I'm with them." The woman went back inside when she saw our little crew.

Every time we spend time with my brother and his family, we are left with a warmth surrounding us, a comforting, secure feeling. It is reassuring to know you are loved and accepted and supported for who you are. No pretenses to maintain, no acting to do. Free to be who we are. Thank you, brother.