Acceptance

"We always hurt the ones we love"

I talk to my closest friends and family in a way I would never speak to those a little more removed.  That is, I express myself more openly.  On one hand it's really comforting, I think we do this because we know, deep inside, that these people are our family, will love us always, and won't leave us. 

So, I think the quote is true...right up until something (near) tragic happens.

My brother can annoy the living bejeezus out of me.  Seriously. I wanna smack him upside the head sometimes.  Only because I refuse to admit that, at almost 40, he can take care of himself. 

I  spent the evening nagging at him about something completely unimportant, while he laughed at me.

Then this happened. 

(It's a crappy pic, but you get the idea...)

He was driving.  Three of his friends were with him.  It was 19 degrees outside, and they hit a patch of ice while on their way to work, and rolled the truck off a freeway off-ramp.

All of a sudden, the insignificant differences disappeared.   None of it mattered.  He matters.

Being half way across the country with my heart in my throat all morning did wonders for my perspective. 

From now on, I will open my heart a bit wider to accept and appreciate the small differences I have with those I love.  I am ecstatic to say, that my big bro will be here, buggin' me no doubt, for a long time to come.  And I couldn't be happier about that.