My brother was moved from Presby Hospital to the spine clinic at Mercy Hospital yesterday. It has been 19 days since his accident. My brother has always fascinated me. The most socially outgoing of all us, the most connected to his community, the most willing to expand his friendship circle to extended family, co-workers, and newly acquired acquaintances. He represents the best in each of his siblings.
I had always thought that I, myself, was the glue that held the five of us box children together. But I am too willful for that, too independent, my path too far from the home where we were raised, for the glue to be me. It is Chris. It always has been. His role as protector of my Mother, his willingness to manage our lost boy Adam, to be best friend to Jeff, to connect and find the common ground with his eldest brother Bruce, and to be the sister to me that I never had. This is what makes Chris quintessential.
His journey has not been an easy one. We, all of us, have demons to wrangle and to bend to our will so we can evolve and grow into something substantial. My brother's journey has brought him to a place where he is a leader in the work place, a wonderful partner to his wife- a man who takes great care of his spouse and life mate, who works tirelessly to provide a beautiful place to call home, and most of all, to becoming a father who's love and attention and availability has resulted in raising two extraordinary boys.
His accident he feels is predestined. That God has a plan, a new purpose, and new path for him to follow. We, all of us, that have been touched by his goodness and generosity, will follow closely behind or even carry him on our backs if we must. We are all his family.
I was with him yesterday before they moved him to rehab and I had spent the previous night at his bedside as well. Now I am back in Cleveland with a nasty cold, feeling adrift, missing my little brother but secure in the knowledge that his new life, the life that rehab will enable him to claim, is beginning as we speak. GO Chrissy, grab the bull by the proverbial horns and take your life back. I love you.
I have never read such beautiful or more perfect word than these!!!
ReplyDeleteI almost cried when I read this. I can feel the love all the way from Cleveland. Unmeasurable love!! Chris is extremely fortunate to have you as a sister and I applaud your entire family. All of you are an inspiration to the entire community. Keep fighting Chris, we love you bro!!
ReplyDeleteSean Shearer
Leigh.. well said and beautifully written... Chris..anyone who knows you will tell you every word she wrote is true. You mean that much to your family, friends, community and anyone who has been blessed to have been in your life. You are not on this journey alone, you have all of us tagging along and although we should be trying to encourage and inspire you.. Shearer is right on by saying you are inspiring us! Always in our prayers.. Chris we love you :) Amy, Emily and Brucie
ReplyDeleteLeighann, this is so beautifully written...thank you! Chris is such an inspiration to so many. I, too, believe our lives are predestined and many things are out of our control, it is up to us to prove our faith in dealing with each obstacle. Chris IS a rock, and has proven his faith over and over<3
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