On Missing a Brother

Today, the day after Chris's funeral, has been a sad day for me.  It's sinking in that there will be always be a hole in the Albert family, and what a huge loss it is.  On the other hand, it was a recuperative day for Steve who is genuinely tired.  He did find enough energy to make us hamburgers and baked beans for dinner, then sit on the couch to pet Tiger (who always shows up within 30 seconds when petting is a possibility).

This Paul Simon song has been running through my head all day, since reading and re-reading Steve's post on NCFE about Chris.  You probably aren't familiar with Simon & Garfunkel (who are a world famous, but "older" duo).  An interesting fact that I learned recently.....  they attended the same high school Grammie did, Forest Hills High School in Queens NY.   You can't help but appreciate the beautiful vocals.

Your Step Dad

Today we had the funeral mass for Steve's brother, Chris.  Alex, it was so nice that you came to the funeral!  It's been a long day, but things are generally OK knowing that Chris is at peace now.

Steve has been so involved over the past couple years helping his brother (I won't elaborate), and now in making many arrangements which are necessary and significant when death comes.  Steve wrote a lovely tribute to Chris on NCFE, which you can read here.  And he gave the eulogy during the funeral. This is very difficult stuff, and I admire him for being such a strong person, so very thoughtful & eloquent, and above all a wonderful brother.

When talking about a friend, co-worker or family member, sometimes Steve says "He's a good man".   Well, we all know from living together that Steve absolutely fits that description himself.  And his role as a Step Dad is important to him.  He thinks about both of you a lot, is generous with his time and otherwise, and offers advice without drama.  I honestly believe he is the best parent to teenagers and young adults that I've ever known.  Here's a favorite picture of his, from our 2016 vacation in Florida - looking out at the NASA vehicle assembly building of the Kennedy Space Center.

We all are very lucky to have him in our lives, for many reasons.  Steve and I, with Aunt Pam especially, know that we're providing a stable foundation for your lives.  And showing you what it is to have loving family relationships.  Outside Rob B's and Joy A's offices, I've often looked at a tree poster with the quote below.  I hope that as you walk through life together as brothers, you will be true friends.

Family:  

Like branches in a tree, we all grow in different directions;

yet our roots remain as one.

Christmas 2016

A few highlights from Christmas just past......  and some pictures to follow......

• Robby. you say you don't know what your favorite present was - though I think it was your Obi-Juan shirt (you want to somehow add "Balogna" to it).  DVD's of the first 2 seasons of "All in the Family" come in a close second.
• Alex, you don't know either.  As a history buff, hopefully you'll like this new book: "Valiant Ambition: George Washington, Benedict Arnold, and the Fate of the American Revolution".  And a new dress shirt & tie has come in handy for work at Gerrity's (to add credibility when advising customers about pomegranates and firm but small eggplants).
• Steve was happy to get the kitty book in the picture below, but I think his favorite present was a "World's Okayest Dad" mug from Korin.  He was also pleased with matching Life is Good shirts he got for the two of us.
• I was mostly happy that I didn't get too tired and, particularly, didn't get sick (or have a nasty tooth ache like last year).
• Lastly, Robby was quite disappointed that he didn't get a video of Santa.  He set his iPhone up in the living room to record activities around the Xmas tree, but the recording stopped at some point before Santa arrived (his secrets are safe for another year!).
• We had a nice Grotto Party, as usual. You may not realize it, but everyone (especially your grandparents) is happy to have time with teenagers - or recently graduated teenagers, such as those who turned 20 the previous day.
• I've added one extra Christmas tree picture at the bottom, which at this moment is the picture posted at the top of the Carroll Boys blog. It was a magical photo I happened to get while sitting on the couch - for some reason, a ceramic Santa ornament that Grandma made was brilliant.....  and what a sweet picture of Tiger.