The Reason for My Visit to Minneapolis

Good thing we heard that summer is supposed to come on a weekend this year in Minnesota..hope you hit the right one Elizabeth Weintraub Sacramento Real Estate Agent, Top 1% of Lyon Agents  !!

Liz, this is a time full of ups and downs for you. I am glad you are saying goodbye, for both you and your brother. I hope that what was before is no longer in your relationship. I had to wait until my brother died to have a good relationship with him. I don't know what was between us, but when it died it was put to rest. 

And as far as the Home Cheapo guy, well, what do they know. At least he made an attempt to make someone feel welcome and important. (Am I reaching here?) 

I hope it is a quick and smooth transition for your brother. 

This was a very important trip for you.  I'm glad you and your sister have each other to lean on.   Keeping you both in my thoughts and prayers.

Those kinds of trips are so very bitter-sweet.  I've made a few of them myself!  My thoughts are with your brother and the family!

Elizabeth sorry to hear about your brother and glad you could spend some time with him in MPLS and help out your sister (rather her faucet). I remember the MPLS Athletic club and had no idea it is now a hotel. 

Good morning Elizabeth. These thing are never easy, unfortunately these stories have been written many times, but it doesn't make them any easier.

My heart aches for you, but how wonderful that you are spending time with your brother before the end.  And, yes, from your perspective it was insensitive of the desk clerk, but that's how they train them, to be chirpy. I remember flying into Vancoucer and the immigration officer asked the reason for my trip, "to be with my sister, her son, my nephew, just died." There was almost a satisfaction in spreading gloom. 

I can certainly imagine that it would be very difficult!  I've lost close family members.  Most were here one minute and gone the next.  Only once did I have one that lingered like your brother, and the suffering was hard to see!

I remember once seeing a few Tibetan monks down in old Sacramento, while I was photographing.  It was dawn on a sunday morning.  I immediately went up to them because I had a question I wanted answered.  I said, "I was watched a documentary about the Dalai Lama.  However, I missed segments of it.  One question I have is the Dalai Lama said, suffering is ok.  I don't understand that." One of the monks replied, "Without suffering we cannot learn compassion."

Hi Elizabeth, I'm so sorry to hear about your brother, as it reminds me of when I lost mine.  ' So sad to see him go, but I was thankful that he didn't have to suffer any more- it's a mixed bag of mixed up feelings.  I'm glad you got to go and say goodbye.

On a brighter note- I have been missing AR and glad to have the chance to see you today!

You're right about your SIL.  The life of a caregiver is difficult.  Often overwhelming, and emotionally exhausting!