THREE BROTHERS

Eighty-nine year old “Bettie” suffers from kidney cancer. She is bed bound and, for a short while, can get up with help to sit in her wheelchair, which she dearly loves. Bettie has been divorced for over thirty-five years. She has three adult sons, who are all devoted to her and to each other.

Her youngest son, “Gregory“, lives in the home. Her other two sons; “John” and “Carl“, live nearby. Gregory is with his mother at night, but either John or Carl will spend the day to help out. John and Carl rotate their days. A few nights ago, Bettie was up all night and Gregory called John, who immediately came over to help his brother.

Carl has some health problems and is on a maintenance chemotherapy regiment every two weeks. Carl says he is in remission, but needs to continue with his treatment. If you ask Carl about how he is doing, he quickly replies, “I am doing okay”. He immediately will then turn the attention back to his mother’s needs.

All three boys put their mother first. They worry about making a mistake as want to do everything so perfectly. At times, they can get caught up in the details, but are doing a wonderful job. I reassure them with each visit that they are giving their mother what she most needs from them; love.

At first glance, it may appear chaotic and unorganized, but the three boys are so focused on what it important to them; their mother. With love on their side, they are doing an amazing job caring for her. Love binds them together. It doesn’t get any better than that.


THREE BROTHERS
　

They have always been close.
They have always stuck together.
So it is not surprising that now,
all three are caring for their mother.

The three of them are always around.
They support her and each other.
They stay focused and on track.
It’s so obvious to all that she comes first.

They clean the house and it stays cluttered.
The front lawn could use a mow.
There are cobwebs in the corners,
but their love for her shines through.

She is bed bound and needs a lot of help,
but you’ll hear no complaint from her.
Her face will light up with a huge smile,
full of praise for her three sons.

There have been some rough times in their lives.
Divorces, illnesses, financial strains.
But through it all, they’ll continue to stick together;
three brothers and their mother.