Family is so important, I saw my brother last night

[steve2470]

At age 59, it's pretty easy to not have much family left. My older brother (who I've praised on DU) is my only surviving family member, aside from my son. My parents are deceased, and all relatives on my father's side are deceased and on mother's side unknown (very long story) or way too religious for me (and live in another state).

My brother and I can talk about our common history, and we get each other, despite our differing paths. No one else gets me like my brother does, not even my son. I might have to drive 2.5 hours every holiday to see him, but it's totally worth it.

If you have no family, you have my sincerest sympathies. I hope you can make very close friends your family. We all need family in this usually indifferent world.

Happy Thanksgiving to you all.

[Siwsan]

1. All I have left is my brother

My niece and nephews all live out of state. However, I've already been invited to spend next Thanksgiving with my niece and her soon to be husband, so I'm pretty happy about that.

I encouraged my brother to spend today with his girlfriend, and some of his other friends. I'm not a big holiday person, and they all are. He's stopping by tomorrow for a cocktail, or two.

I'm always glad to see this time of the year pass.

[Laffy Kat]

2. Was the main reason I wanted a second child.

My sister and I are so close even though we live across the country from each other. I wanted to give that gift to my boys and they are also incredibly close, especially considering how different they are from each other. They will always have each other after their father and I go.

[MuseRider]

3. Only 1 brother left

and he is an alcoholic/drug addict and I rarely even know where he is, believe me that is a good thing. My entire family other than this brother was gone by the time I was 48. I have my 2 sons, one expecting our first grandchild, today was the due date 💖. It is enough but it is always hard when there is no one who knew you then or can confirm a story. I am content but do wish someone was around.