Beginning in 1999, my three brothers and I started getting together just by ourselves once a year around Christmas time. \u00a0Our 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. \u00a0The following year, we got a large motel room and stayed overnight. \u00a0This was perfect, especially since none of us wanted to drive after consuming several pints of Guinness.<\/p>\n
For the most part, our get-togethers have been around Christmas time, and overnight, but there have been a few exceptions. \u00a0One year we went to Stanford’s Restaurant at Northgate, and they were extremely accommodating to allow us to stay as long as we wanted. \u00a0For several years, we stayed at my condo, while Janie accommodated us by staying in a motel.<\/p>\n
Beginning last year, we began including my cousin, Bill. \u00a0He 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\u00a0ages\u00a0 Although he lives in Arizona, we are all close to him and are happy\u00a0he can join us.<\/p>\n
This year was our 15th year doing the Brothers 4. \u00a0We 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. \u00a0This 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. \u00a0(Even that gathering did not necessarily let us get too deep in our conversations, since there were always around 25 people in attendance.)<\/p>\n
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\u00a0be good for much the next day!<\/p>\n
+1<\/span><\/a><\/div>0<\/span><\/a><\/div> <\/div> Beginning in 1999, my three brothers and I started getting together just by ourselves once a year around Christmas time. \u00a0Our first meeting was at a restaurant, but we immediately realized that we couldn’t sit at a restaurant indefinitely while … Continue reading