I drove our brother, Paul to the Hospital Emergency Room at the Hospital in Jeffersonville, Indiana the last day he was with us on earth.
He sat beside me in the front seat. I recall glancing over at him and our eyes met. We were both concerned about the trip and with that glance that I will always remember, we were saying goodbye,
Mary Frances sat on the back seat with their children huddled together with Nana K.
After we arrived at the Hospital and Brother Paul was taken through the treatment door, we settled ourselves in the waiting room. In a very short period of time, I heard the “Code” called and I knew it was for him.
The many years we had spent together would now all be precious memories. He was our only brother and he had gone away taking with him the laughter we needed and ending the dream of us growing old together with our families.
I have come to understand that Brother Paul is doing his best to comfort me over the passing years since he left us. I think the bond we shared caused him to usher many men to walk in and out of my life as “almost brothers”. One by one they have appeared when I needed help at an art show, working on a building or getting a van repaired,
No longer am I surprised when an “almost brother” appears in my life. I expect them to arrive from time to time. And sometimes they say hello when least expected.
I can almost hear Brother Paul whispering in someone’s ear, “She needs help. I can’t be there. Go be her brother.”
This leaves me to now suspect that some of these kind gentlemen may have needed an “almost sister” for a few hours or months or years. Perhaps a whispered suggestion can work both ways so maybe it’s best to listen with your heart and help when prompted.