Beginning in 1999, my three brothers and I started getting together just by ourselves once a year around Christmas time. Our first meeting was at a restaurant, but we immediately realized that we couldn’t sit at a restaurant indefinitely while others were waiting for a table. The following year, we got a large motel room and stayed overnight. This was perfect, especially since none of us wanted to drive after consuming several pints of Guinness.
For the most part, our get-togethers have been around Christmas time, and overnight, but there have been a few exceptions. One year we went to Stanford’s Restaurant at Northgate, and they were extremely accommodating to allow us to stay as long as we wanted. For several years, we stayed at my condo, while Janie accommodated us by staying in a motel.
Beginning last year, we began including my cousin, Bill. He had gotten together with us once earlier (but not at an official “Brothers 4”) and we realized that he should be included. He does not have any siblings, and if he were actually a brother, he would be right in the middle of our ages Although he lives in Arizona, we are all close to him and are happy he can join us.
This year was our 15th year doing the Brothers 4. We do not always see eye-to-eye, but we love each other and even our political arguments–which are usually quite vociferous–do not diminish that love. This is truly a bonding experience that has prevented us from driving apart after our father passed away and as our mother got older and could no longer host her annual family Christmas gathering. (Even that gathering did not necessarily let us get too deep in our conversations, since there were always around 25 people in attendance.)
I am thankful to my brothers and cousin to have been able to keep this tradition going, and to all of our wives for supporting it, knowing that we won’t be good for much the next day!
To B5. I just talked to Vera and was really pleased to hear her voice. She called me at 2 pm to tell me she heard from Bill about the B4 and sharing their annual gathering with Bill. I told her what a good visit Ed and I had with Bill yesterday and it is so wonderful that they can all get together. Being retired has its advantages and Bill is as much part of the Gallaher clan as my boys. We love him and Vera very much and have many good memories.
This reminds me of when my Dad (Joe) and his brothers used to get together. Les used to say they had a good time agreeing with each other or not in loud voices.
Great memories. Love, Mom