My Brother's Here

One of the things that got me through treatment #2 was looking forward to a visit from my brother (Asa) and sister-in-law (Andrea). Here are some pictures of us.

So far we haven't done too much, mostly because I've been tired. But we did go to the Atlanta Underground yesterday, and since it was nearby, I showed Asa and Andrea the Georgia State campus and my office. Then we tried to find them a new place to stay. Their hotel is way out by the airport, but tonight they'll be shifting over to the Gaslight Inn, a really nice B&B that's closer to my apartment. I think this afternoon we will drive over to Stone Mountain, a mind-blowing monument to Confederate Pride (really -- you wouldn't believe it).

My brother is sort of my hero. When we were younger I was absolutely awful to him, a really bad older brother. But he forgave me, thankfully. What I really admire about him is that he is so accepting of others, and of difference. When he was in high school he was always friends with the kids no body else wanted to befriend. Playing football and wrestling, he was easily a part of Rawlins, Wyoming's teenage in-crowd, but he had more fun hanging out with the kids who had no one else. He did not just befriend these individuals to do a good deed -- he really liked them. He was also accepting of me when no one else was. And even now, at 6-foot-whatever and the size of a house, he's probably gentlest person I know. I wish I could be more like him.

Andrea is the sister I always wanted but never had. She has tamed my brother (who, even though he is a wonderful person, had a wild side that would have probably landed him in jail if it weren't for Andrea) quite nicely. She calls me all the time and makes sure that I'm doing okay. And she is the only person living (besides me, I think...I hope) of whom Tache (my cat) approves.

So, here's to the start of my good week, made even better by a visit from Asa and Andrea.