So some of you may remember thet I have a brother who was put up for adoption before I was born. I finally got to meet him. I figured it was going to be great and it was better than that.

When you talk on the phone and meeting someone in person, it can be different. We’ve talked a LOT and I knew that was my people but we’re meeting to mourn our father. I feel like I’ve known this dude my whole life.

He just fits right in with us. The weird idiosyncrasies. The inside jokes. Everything.

And he’s such a warm and kind husband and dad. He looks so much like our dad. It was its own comfort.

My heart is broken with the loss of my dad. We had unsaid things between us, but I realize that he got it. He got me, so maybe those things didn’t have to be said. Our last conversation is a precious memory and I’m grateful that I had it.

I’m going back to Pitt tomorrow. But I don’t think Pitt is home anymore. I see a different path and I’m excited about where I believe it leads. And in all of this loss, I have another brother, a whole gift. I need to know him better.

I’m used to being the glue, but this time it was our oldest brother (my other one) who held all of us together. He’s had so many highs and lows and to see him be the person we always knew he could be is a blessing. Through all this pain, I’m still thankful.