The "A Gift For My Brother" Story

It was an ordinary day.  Getting ready to head to my brother's house for our annual after-Christmas party.  My brother Steve and his family, as well as my family, all gather annually at his daughter Kelly's home in Ephrata, Pennsylvania on the evening after Christmas day.  

Our Nannan with Steve (left) and me (right).

We usually celebrate with pizza, drinks and plenty of Christmas cookies.  We usually bypass Christmas gifts due to the 20 or so people.  But, this year I will have a special gift to give to my brother.  All began about a half-year ago when Steve gave me a small black and white photo of our Grandmother, whom we have called Nannan all our life.  Her real name was Grace Mae Woods.  Her husband, Joseph, died when killed in an accident at the local post office where he was employed.  

My brother (right) with cousins George (standing) and
Judy seated at Crystal Beach Manor in Maryland.

My dad was six years old at the time.  Our other grandmother, Anna Cochran, died when I was about 12 years old and Steve was 7, so we barely got to know her.  Nannan was the one who babysat for us when we were young and we always had a great time.  When Steve gave me the photo of her and the two of us, which was taken at Crystal Beach Manor, Maryland, I had the intention of making one for myself.  But, I thought Steve might want a slightly larger copy so I made two 5x7s and framed one for Steve for Christmas.  

Steve's framed Christmas present.

Steve and I always had a grand time with Nannan and she was a real treat for the two of us.  We learned how to swear from Nannan, since she did quite a bit of it when we played board games with her.  She always made us promise not to tell our mom and dad though.  We spent many a fun summer vacation at Crystal Beach with my mom and dad, Nannan, Aunt Lillian and her two children, our cousins, Judy and George.  The treasures we shared with Nannan were priceless and I know Steve will cherish the present.  It was another extraordinary day in the life of an ordinary guy.

Steve and me when we were about 5 and 10 years of age. 

Steve and me a year or two ago by his pool in Ephrata, PA.

Steve and me looking for Cape May diamonds a few years ago.

Steve and me dunking our Christmas cookies.

I had to add this photo since it is one of a very few where I am on the left side of the photo.
This was taken at his son's wedding.