Christmas came early for the Tennessee and Illinois Brooks. We just returned from a wonderful visit with Marcy Brock, Jaime Jeb and Morgan. We did the Dirty Santa. It was a high point of the festivities. I got a glass with a Brooks inscription. Also, some Moonshine. I relished the familial bond we have forged over the past 10 years. I am the representative of the beginning of our Dad’s lineage, and Brock is the culmination. Brock was born a year after I graduated from high school. The surprise revealing of the Tennessee Brooks in 2012 has been a rich blessing in MJ and my Golden Years. Brock is a talented man. I marvel at his expertise. As Jeb told me a few years ago, his Dad and I look alike.

Jeb and I laughed at the unique two-inch pork chop. Jeb tried my size 15 ring on, and it was amazing how big my hands are compared to the average bear. Jeb is a mild-mannered and sweet person. He is a wonderful nephew. His dry humour is compelling. Jeb is the kind of person that you want to be around at every opportunity.

Morgan is a special person. I strive to be the person who makes others comfortable, but Morgan made me comfortable with her kind comments and sweet demeanour. Morgan told me that I had the appearance of a dignified old man and could make a Dos Equis commercial. Morgan can make beautiful items out of things no one would think of. She is a craftperson with a keen eye and a brilliant ability.

Marcy is like my sister. I call her Sis. She is a wonderful person. Anything Marcy tells me, I am fully convinced. Marcy has a light about her that encourages all she meets. She is practical and ethereal at the same time.

Jaime is an angel in human form. Just her presence causes celebration. She is keenly perceptive, listening and watching for all nuances of those around her. Jaime is an angel among us sent to bless us and reveal what love is.

The Tennessee Brooks and the Illinois Brooks were blessed with a private dining room at Patty’s Restaurant in Grand Rivers, Kentucky. We did not request it, but there it was with an intimacy ordered by Santa Claus. There we were, the Brooks family from two states. We got to know each other better. We bonded. We laughed about the absurd uniqueness of two-inch pork chops. The Old man thought of what lay ahead and what had come before.
Where would we be this time next year?