Tomorrow may be just another day in your world,
but in my world it is going to be very special.
For the first time ever,
my whole family and extended family will gather together.
My eldest brother is getting married.
How lucky am I to be part of such a happy gathering.
This brother is a special person to me.
Let me tell you why.
Over twenty years ago my life was very dark.
Each day was a struggle.
I had “come out” about being abused,
and a lot of people were coming to terms with it.
Then one day I got a call.
It was from this brother.
He wanted to meet up for a chat.
My heart sank.
I’d had enough family chats.
No one understood me,
and they certainly could not help.
I agreed to meet him later that afternoon.
I hardened my heart, and kissed my husband goodbye.
It was a beautiful day.
The sun was shining and there was no hint of a breeze.
I was to meet him on the sea front,
a beautiful spot.
I walked with my heavy heart in his direction.
Arguing with myself that I was strong enough for this.
What did I care about his opinion?
Then I saw him come towards me.
My big brother.
We had been apart a long time,
as we had lived in different countries,
and were busy with young families.
But as I saw him I was once more his sister.
I remembered our youth and connection.
His opinion did matter.
He looked at me as I stood rigid, and then he hugged me.
He hugged me so very tight.
My hard, heavy heart lightened and melted,
as I began to relax in his grip.
I allowed silent tears to fall.
Then we withdrew and he said, “This is for you sis”.
He handed me a single red rose and said,
“I think you’re very brave”.
And so it was, one of the moments I began to heal.
Acceptance and understanding was what he brought to me that day.
I will never forget it.
His support at that time has helped me become who I am today.
As you can imagine this brother means a lot to me.
So do my whole family.
Tomorrow this big brother of mine will be married,
Our whole family and clan will be together for a very happy occasion.
I can’t quite believe it.
So readers as this is Ireland,
it is necessary to warn you that this is a huge event for us.
This wedding will be done Irish style.
So I will be celebrating with family, not for just one day,
or even two.
No I would anticipate this event will take at least three days.
So I hope you can survive without me.
And I hope I can survive our family gathering.
I anticipate much laughter, fun, drinking, singing and fighting,
maybe not in that order.
For my brother I hope it is a wonderful few days,
and his future brings him all the happiness he truly deserves.
photo credit: edera via photopin cc
photo credit: randomix via photopin cc
My thoughts on a page. 
Have a brilliant time and tell us all about it next week xxx
Thank you. I’m back in body but not in mind!
All right, your story about your brother made me cry in the early morning hours. But, how wonderful to have such a special brother. Please raise a glass to the bride and groom from me and I wish them all the happiness in the world.
Enjoy the celebration!
Thank you ME. I’m back but exhausted but we did “help” him celebrate his wedding!
this made me cry too. what a wonderful man/brother. i am so, so happy for all of you. please enjoy every moment of this very special time )
Hi I’m back. Thank you I’d a brilliant time. There is very little quite like a family wedding.
Have a wonderful time, and I’ll raise a glass to you and your brother!
Thank you. We raised plenty glasses ourselves! 🙂
Have a wonderful time with the celebration. This made me cry too, but not with sadness, it was with joy that this dear brother had a heart full of understanding and love and knew just the right way to start your healing process. May his marriage and new life be filled to over flowing with many blessings.
Thanks for your kind words. We had a wonderful few days and this lovely brother of mine looked so very happy.
Big brothers are the best. I have 3 brothers and I don’t see them very often, but when we do, we all regress and it’s lovely. Have an amazing time!
Ah it sounds like you can definitely imagine our family wedding. Home but exhausted!
Such a touching post. Have a wonderful time celebrating. Congratulations to your brother 🙂
Thank you. It’s all over now. Three great days. We all made sure he was given a day to remember.
Enjoy every moment and congratulations to your brother!
Ha ha. I think we enjoyed too many moments! 🙂
Heart warming. 🙂
Have a terrific time. My husband is Irish-American and yes, I have found that his family knows how to party! Enjoy!
Thank you. We had a wonderful time and celebrated day and night!
Congratulations to your brother and his fiance. I’ve heard wonderful tales of the 3 day Irish weddings. How splendid!
And how wonderful, that he supported you and loved you. I’m sorry that things were so bad for you when you told.
Thanks Coleen. The wedding is over and to put it mildly we are well and truly spent, but what fun we had.
Woot woot! Feet up! Eye lids down. Shhhhhhh…..
and there was me thinking it was just my family that drank a lot and fought a lot at funerals and weddings 😆
have a great time, tric
and best wishes to your brother and his new bride
Thanks Duncan. Such were our celebrations that now I’m home I’m still saying “never again will I drink!”. I’m not sure how long it will last!
Have fun, Tric! Raise a glass for me! 😀
Ah Jackie, I blame you for my current state. I am home from the wedding and did as you asked, I raised a glass for you, just didn’t stop at one! 🙂
Ha ha ha! Then I’m glad you must have enjoyed yourself. 😉
I know what it’s like to come out about abuse and to not be believed. I’m so glad you shared this part of yourself and also glad that you had the support of an obviously loving brother. I would like to know more about my Irish roots. My paternal ancestors (Elliott) are all from Ireland and I’ve often wished I could afford to see your land. I’m sure it will be a grand celebration with much frivolity! Enjoy and let us know how it all was.