I decided to write my brother a letter last week. While I sat down to write the letter, it dawned on me that there were some words he needed to hear. Chris reminded me that I might be the only person in the world that understands him because of experiencing the same childhood. First, I told him I was proud of him for working hard to stay out of trouble and keep a job. These are words that we both long to hear from our parents. Our desire to hear these words from them pushed us to act in two very different ways. Second, I told him that I admired him. That might sound strange intiailly but the last time that I saw him was at dinner at my parent's house. Before he left, he leaned down to give a hug to my father who was laying in the recliner. Dad didn't reciprocate, but I can't imagine how much courage and forgiveness had gone through Thomas's heart to be able to do that. I'm shamed to admit that I can only remember hugging my dad 2 times in my adult life. ...