The hugs last Thanksgiving were so tight! We all knew it would be the last with our precious 54-year-old younger brother, Paul. We took group pictures, even as we tried to appear casual.
Thanksgiving was our brother’s favorite holiday, which he and his wife always graciously hosted. In past years, he’d greet us at our cars. This year, he was inside, seated on a recliner, ravaged by a rare, but virulent, strain of cancer. We all put on a positive front; though we were devastated.
My brother treated all of his guests like royalty.
When we said goodnight after a wonderful meal and time together, we hugged him tightly and didn’t want to let go, though we were not supposed to, for fear of passing along germs.
Last year was my most memorable Thanksgiving. Paul passed away on Valentine’s Day this year. There will always be one missing at the table and in our hearts.
Elaine Marlin, Miami















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