By Kim Cieslak
My wedding day was almost four years ago. It was, to put it lightly, an amazing party, time of my life, a day of highlights. But one that stands out to me, especially now in light of recent events, is the toast given to my husband and I by my big brother, Gary. I was surprised, and almost overwhelmed with emotion when this person--ten years my senior and someone whom I had looked up to my entire life with supreme respect and adoration--got up to speak. As usual, his words were eloquent, humorous and wise, and my new husband and I took his words about recognizing and appreciating the rainbows in everyday life that “crash” down in front of us to heart. We were not the only ones. Everyone who had the privilege to witness that toast that evening was extremely moved.
It was, I now know, a very special gift. As he is consumed by the same cancer that stole our mother over eighteen years ago, he is losing his ability to speak his usual beautiful words. But I have video. In a last minute decision, I decided to hire a videographer on advice from a friend. How fateful that decision was. I have been avoiding watching my wedding video because, I guess in my own way, I wanted to avoid what was happening to him by denying how he has changed. But after my visit to him last weekend, I am compelled to view it. So I sit down with my glass of wine and watch, through a haze of smiles and tears. The toast is as I remember – eloquent, humorous and wise. And that is how I will always remember him.
And so, I raise my glass to you, dear brother. May your “rainbow” of generosity, integrity, warmth, and humor follow your family for all of their days. I love you. Na zdrowie.
It was, I now know, a very special gift. As he is consumed by the same cancer that stole our mother over eighteen years ago, he is losing his ability to speak his usual beautiful words. But I have video. In a last minute decision, I decided to hire a videographer on advice from a friend. How fateful that decision was. I have been avoiding watching my wedding video because, I guess in my own way, I wanted to avoid what was happening to him by denying how he has changed. But after my visit to him last weekend, I am compelled to view it. So I sit down with my glass of wine and watch, through a haze of smiles and tears. The toast is as I remember – eloquent, humorous and wise. And that is how I will always remember him.
And so, I raise my glass to you, dear brother. May your “rainbow” of generosity, integrity, warmth, and humor follow your family for all of their days. I love you. Na zdrowie.
