The Value of Life

I just had a conversation on the phone with my brother. Every now and then, my brother and I talk, and no matter how brief the conversation, we connect on many levels. Today was one of those days.

In the next week, my brother and his lovely wife are headed to Hawaii for a week with my dad and step-mom. Now, before you go and pity me (actually, go right ahead), it should be stated for the record (this is code for: they will be reading this, so I'd better be historically accurate) that I was invited to go to Hawaii too, but would have to pay my own airfare. In an effort to make fiscally responsible decisions (yes, I am kicking myself as I type), I opted out of the trip this year. Like clockwork, my dad and step-mom will be returning to our favorite beach on Kona, Hawaii in two years, and I will go then. Hopefully.

Anyway, back to my point (there is one, I assure you). My brother was telling me that before he and his wife leave on a trip, they make sure to have a plan in place for their two beautiful children in the event something happens to them. My brother wasn't trying to be morbid. Like any loving and responsible parent, he wants to make sure everything is covered before he leaves on his trip, so he can fully enjoy his retreat into paradise for a week. It's just something you have to do in today's world.

Today on the phone, my brother asked if I would be willing to raise his children if anything were to happen to him and his wife. Now, I must admit, just knowing that my brother would trust me to raise his two most precious assets makes me tear up a little. After I got over the impact of that sentiment, I was forced to face the realization that in addition to raising two small children, I would also be faced with caring for my mother who has multiple sclerosis. Not a decision to take lightly, no matter how honored I feel to have been asked.

Going from taking care of myself and my admittedly spoiled cat to caring for two young children and a parent would be quite a shift. That being said, I did not hesitate to answer yes to my brother's question. I would be honored to raise his children if the need ever arose.

But while I appreciate the sentiment in being asked such a responsibility, I set aside any thoughts of this coming to fruition, because I know my brother and sister-in-law will have a safe and luxurious trip to Hawaii, and will return home safe and sound. I simply demand it be so.

Aloha!