My brother calls me a couple times during the week when he's taking a break at work. We catch up on little nothings and everything. He's in automotive design, and for the most part we chat about his latest projects.::: That of which I can't write about or he'd have to carjack my blog :::
Mike and I have been close since we were small. Maybe because we are just over a year apart, but probably because we "get" each other. Did I mention he is my
About 17 years ago, he had a closed head injury, an AVM blow-out in his noggin. Long story short, medically, he shouldn't be here, but since he is, he should have some handicap's. He not only fully recovered, he's gotten approval from the FAA to fly again. Anyway, his short term memory seems to be the only thing he deals with. I tease him that he uses the injury as his excuse, because all us over-fifty-year-olds suffer from CRS Syndrom. (can't remember s*it)
On the flip side, Mike can remember things from years ago that most would forget, even if they had it written in a journal.
::: Raising my hand and nodding yes here :::
There is a personality change that I see in him since his injury. He has a keen awareness to the "little things in life". His appreciation and focus is on the here and now. Mike certainly is one that stops to smell the roses.
Which brings me to our call of the other day. He was relating to people he is in contact with that are considered successful and wealthy by society's standards, and to those who struggle day to day to reach a level they think will bring them happiness and solve all problems. He asked me if I remembered the book Hope for the Flowers. We proceeded to recall the story.
I'm glad my brother is one who approaches each and every day with thanks and hopes. I wish I wouldn't allow myself to get so side tracked.
I came home and read the book again.
An excerpt:
"How does one become a butterfly?" she asked. "You must want to fly so much that you are willing to give up being a caterpillar."
If you haven't read it, please put it on your list to read. Especially to your children. Although it's a quick, 15 minute easy read, it will have you thinking for days to follow. And in our case, years.
Hope for the Flowers
By Trina Paulus
7 comments:
That sounds like a wonderful story. I'll keep my eyes open for it.
You gave me this book years ago. Thanks for the reminder. I'm going to get it out right now and read it again.
You know already that this is going to be MY kind of book so I have written it down -- and can't wait to read it. Just from the excerpt alone it has me humming!!!
And by the way? I love Mike..don't know Mike but I love his story and I emulate his attitude about life -- there ought to be more Mikes in this world. Lucky you to have him for a brother!!
We could probably all do with a dose of this.
I'm also extremely close to my brother even though we're 6 years apart and he's in Beijing and I'm in the States.
Best wishes to you both
"Whittterer On Autism."
I remember when Mike was ill. Was it really 17 years ago? So glad he is still doing well. Say "hi" for me when you talk to him next time.
I have not read "Flowers" but will put it on my list.
Nice post. I wish my brother and I were closer.
I haven't read that book for years. After reading your post, I found my old raggedy book. the message is still clear. thanks for the reminder.
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