To the Editor,

There once was a fortunate young man who had several loving siblings.  When he turned twenty, his parents asked him to leave the family home so more of the family’s limited budget could be spent on his younger brothers and sisters.  The young man became very angry and stormed away from his family home.  His siblings were very sad. 

     The young man got a job, a very good job, and was able to provide for himself in lavish fashion.  He grew to hate his parents who still loved him but were smart enough to let him keep his distance with his seething anger.  Meanwhile, his siblings continued to love and support him—even rooting for him to succeed even more in his newfound job.  And he did. 

     Eventually, the still young man—though now beginning to age—decided the new job was too taxing and opted to retire.  He had made enough money to live a happy and prosperous life without work. 

     In his retirement goodbye address, he thanked profusely his latest bosses, co-workers, and the people who had adored him in his final job.  Yet, not once in his lengthy goodbye missive did he mention his parents and siblings who had supported him for twenty long and rewarding years—support that had laid the foundation for his final success.  Even though he had spent only two years in his final job after twenty years of love and support at home, the man chose to disregard his parents and siblings.  No thanks to them at all.  

     While his parents took it in stride, knowing the man’s penchant for selfish, juvenile behavior, his siblings were devastated.  Did his dismissal of their twenty years of love and support mean their outpourings had meant nothing to him?  

     Reluctantly, they decided it had meant nothing.  Sadly, they resigned themselves to the fact that their brother, Tom Brady, was now dead to them.    

Lonnie Barham

Warwick