Growing up, I always wished I had an older brother—someone to guide and teach me. I was the oldest of my biological siblings, and that role fell to me. When I was around ten, my mom started dating a man who would later become my stepfather. He had three kids of his own; although two were already grown, he had a son named Michael, who was two years older than me. Just like that, I had an older brother.
I was the youngest of six and blessed or cursed with 5 older siblings depending on the day—mostly blessed they are all now ghosts of Christmases past I always wanted a younger brother or as I always put it a “little” brother Over the years I have been blessed as I have had a number of friends that became my “little” brothers They and I remain brothers to this day I understand the loss you feel as one of the earliest of my little brothers was killed in action in Vietnam and 55 years later tears roll down my tears my cheeks thinking of being with on him Christmas leaves 1968 before we were sent to Vietnam Love your courage and vulnerability in these stories you tell
Beautiful Stan. I would ask everyone who worked for me in Afghanistan what they would regret saying if they died tomorrow and to whom. Then, I would encourage them to say it. I had to carry some of those messages myself.
Stan. Such a true story. We all can learn from this. I’m praying someone reads this and reaches out to someone they are estranged from. Fortunately I have never had to face this and pray I never do. Thanks again for sharing this story at such a special time. God bless you and Jess! Merry Christmas. Love and hugs always!
I was the youngest of six and blessed or cursed with 5 older siblings depending on the day—mostly blessed they are all now ghosts of Christmases past I always wanted a younger brother or as I always put it a “little” brother Over the years I have been blessed as I have had a number of friends that became my “little” brothers They and I remain brothers to this day I understand the loss you feel as one of the earliest of my little brothers was killed in action in Vietnam and 55 years later tears roll down my tears my cheeks thinking of being with on him Christmas leaves 1968 before we were sent to Vietnam Love your courage and vulnerability in these stories you tell
Thanks for sharing that Larry. It seems these seasons always have a way of making us think.
Thank you for sharing Stan! This so good.
I hope you & your family have a wonderful Christmas!!!
Yall too!
Beautiful Stan. I would ask everyone who worked for me in Afghanistan what they would regret saying if they died tomorrow and to whom. Then, I would encourage them to say it. I had to carry some of those messages myself.
That’s heavy! You were / are a great leader I have no doubt and I’d have been honored to serve with / for you.
Stan. Such a true story. We all can learn from this. I’m praying someone reads this and reaches out to someone they are estranged from. Fortunately I have never had to face this and pray I never do. Thanks again for sharing this story at such a special time. God bless you and Jess! Merry Christmas. Love and hugs always!
Merry Christmas!