Brothers talking

Last night Bob and I stepped outside to say good night to the boys. Don had stopped by on his way through town. He and Kevin were at the smoking table out in the backyard. They were having a beer and chatting about Brian and one particular incident Brian was involved in when he was a teenager. Bob happened in on the discussion as he passed by on the way to the trash. Don was asking questions about the location of the incident. Brian had wrecked Bob's old used Oldsmobile but Don was relating the story incorrectly and when Bob told Don so, he shouted out a few choice works about his brother and the fact he wasn't totally honest at how he wrecked the car that day on Government Pond Road.

We lived on the farm at the time and as you may know there are a lot of country gravel roads in the country. Brian had two friends in the car with him that day and they were Sullivan's too - distant cousins, I think. The boys were on their way fishing at the government pond which is located on the gravel road not far from our place. There are a few homes on that road but none directly in the area around the pond.

The story Don had, he said from Brian, was Brian tried to jump the hill going at a fast rate of speed, but Bob's story was different. Bob said Brian was trying to spin out in a circle and lost control of the car. The car ended up upside down in a ditch which was a blessing! The boys were able to climb out of the car and none of them were hurt. God was watching out. A neighbor happened down the road and came to our house and got us - no cell phones then! When we arrived at the scene of the accident the two Sullivan boys were sitting on the hill acting very innocent - and Brian was pacing. He knew from the look on his dad's face he was in trouble. Brian always had a guilty conscience anyhow, and he was really sorry he messed up.

Bob had bought this Oldsmobile from a friend and it was a good used car. Back in those days it wasn't as common to have two cars or more to a family. But, we lived way out in the country and Bob wanted me to have some transportation, and there was a point when we could financially afford an second car albeit older and used, but it ran well and got him to work. After Brian's speedo escapade there was no second car anymore. Not much was said to either Brian or the two Sullivan boys. Brian knew he really screwed up big time without Bob having to say much. Bob was upset about the car, but was very very thankful the boys weren't hurt. I don't remember the punishment for that incident but Brian never tried that again.

I was out of sight but not out of hearing range last night as the boys were talking about Brian. Don was very excited and laughing and saying things about Brian since in Don's mind Brian had told him the story a little differently than what really happened. I was contented as I listened to the boys and Bob reminisce. I think it is special when I hear the boys talking about their past experiences growing up. I enjoy hearing them talk about Brian, although it may be a little one sided since Brian's not here to defend himself against any misgivings or false stories either Kevin or Don may tell. I am certain they have told a few tales that weren't entirely accurate about Brian.

Brothers always have stories to tell about each other. They don't want to be the ones on the outside in double dutch all the time and its easy to point the finger when the other one's not around. I wish Brian was here to put in his two cents. Those three boys sure kept me busy. Suzanne being the only girl was one tough cookie too - she could definitely hold her own and still can. Having three brothers will do that to a girl, I suppose.

I know Brian is with us, I know he would want to be right in the middle of the conversation and having a beer with his brothers. Someday - in Heaven when all is said and done, we'll all meet again and have a beer in celebration!