Bryanspeak

Bryan going through his "work papers". Usually my posts are feel-good pieces, extoling the virtues and inspirational lessons Bryan teaches me. This one, not so much. It is uncomfortable and, yet, a necessary lesson for me and perhaps for you. Each year, Ed and I go to Bryan's apartment for the annual "purge and clean"…

Bryan with his shore appetizer selections. Not living daily with Bryan anymore, I don't see changes in him as readily as when we were living together. On our recent September trip to Avalon, I noticed lots of subtle changes from past trips together. It's a nice surprise to realize that Bryan's evolution as an adult…

Bryan and Dad taking a risk with trying the Pharaoh's Fury ride this year. As Bryan entered our car for the ride to the Middletown Grange Fair last Wednesday, he began to well up with tears. He leaned in from the back seat, grabbed my arm and cried, "Welcome home, Mom and Dad". "What's wrong,…

Bryan says goodbye to his nephew, Finn, after a week of vacation together. New bonds were formed last week as the family vacationed together in Avalon, NJ, our "Happy Place". Bryan doesn't get much time together with his nephew, Finn, so this was a special time of bonding for the two of them. With Finley…

Burgers and brewskies before the show. Knowing how much Bryan loves all things related to Arthurian legend, we thought a visit to Broadway would be just the ticket! And...it turns out we were right. Before our adventure began, Dad whipped up a hearty breakfast of a cheesy egg scramble, toast and a smoothie. As we…

Chef Bryan at work making Calico Beans for his Dad. Bryan came to our house early on Father's Day to help us with the dinner preparations, a task which he loves. As we took off from Bryan's apartment, he leaned into Dad and said, "Happy Father's Day, Dad". Then he proceeded to tickle him and…

Composer John Conahan and poet Emily Fulmer. This post is not about Bryan, but about a friend he recently met. A most remarkable and very talented young woman! Emily and her mom visited Bryan and his roommate at his apartment several months ago. They wanted to talk about and see how life in the community…

Meeting cousin Scott McGough before the Phillies Game. Today was a MOST exciting day for Bryan! His cousin (OK, he's "twice removed", but so what?), a relief pitcher for the Arizona Diamondbacks, was generous enough to gift us with free tickets to the Phillies/Diamondbacks game with fabulous seats, his autograph, and a baseball. Bryan slept…

The birthday mates share yet another birthday! Saturday, May 13th was a very special day in the lives of grandmother and grandson - the firstborn grandchild. As they have done without fail 42 times in the past, these two celebrated their birthdays together. I truly didn't think this would happen this year. 102 years old…

Hurling the shotput at the Local Meet. A cold, misty rain hung over the stadium at the Council Rock North High School track. We'd been there countless times before, but I don't remember an all-day-soaker event like today. Nevertheless, we were present, along with Bryan and his roommate, for the meet. Upon our arrival, we…