A Norman Rockwell moment

I’m sad to report that I have a brother who has been sick in Morgantown Hospital for the past week. He’s been dealing with cancer and all that seems to go along with it. For the past week the doctors have been telling him he can go home tomorrow.

“It’s been five tomorrows already,” he said to me tonight from his hospital bed in Morgantown (Tuesday, Nov. 3). “But I’m still here.”

It was great to see him, but not to see that he looks so tired and worn out. My prayers are with him frequently.

But tonight, a couple of my brothers and I decided we’d go out and see him. I know he’s getting discouraged, so we figured a couple of us could maybe cheer him up, although only two were allowed in his room at one time.

Anyway, it ended up that I took our van, and four of my brothers and one of my sisters went along with me. I honestly can’t tell you when we’ve had that kind of time together. My sister even said that when we have reunions, because our family is sooooo big, one spends their time trying to get to everyone and really don’t get to talk to anyone.

Tonight, six of us – a captive audience – in a van for over three hours. A disaster in the making???? Not at all. My family has always gotten along. We don’t always agree on all things but we do all get along well and would stand up for each other through thick or thin – all 13 of us who are left.

You’d have to know my family to have appreciated the moments. My family is full of brothers and sisters who are quick-witted and can be funny without even trying. We had great conversation, drove through Burger King on the way out for a “hold me over” snack and then stopped at Bob Evans for a meal on the way back. I enjoyed the evening. Every minute of it. The time spent with my family, visiting our brother, was a Norman Rockwell moment I shall not forget anytime soon. I want our brother to get well and get out of the hospital. But I hope we all have opportunities for more adventures like the one tonight – only for a more pleasant reason, like going on vacation together or something of that sort.