Grant,
When I was growing up I wished that I had an older brother, one that would teach me life lessons and protect me from the “bad” guys. I now know that birth order is inconsequential.
I read an article years ago where the author wrote, “When you change your behavior others around you will push back. They want you to remain the same because change scares them.” A few weeks ago you changed everything.
You did something that no one else had the courage to do, including our father. You stopped the mean. You protected my heart, your nieces, Alison..the entire family. And you did so at your own peril. When I shared what you had done with Alison the phone was silent. “Mom and Dad used to tell me they were going to say those things but they never did. I felt so betrayed.” The pieces of the puzzle began to come together.
You taught your children a valuable lesson; that we cannot condone hurtful actions. If we fuel the fire it will continue to burn but if we smother it, from ashes a new life can form. I sincerely hope that your actions spur a new beginning.
Any of the painful memories of Dad making you feel “the less then perfect” son should vanish. He is looking down from heaven, raising a glass of Cuttysark and toasting to his son who had the courage to do what he could not.
Merry Christmas to the best brother a girl could wish for.
foursetsofeyes 