Go to From The Observation Deck
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- Go to "Impromptu" is one thing, but we could have been given a little more time!
Re:
What's strange, Carolyn, is that the four of us here in Jersey are driving distance away, and could have made it . . . if we were given more time! Believe it or not, the age-range between my oldest and youngest brothers is about the same . . . the oldest is 61 and the youngest is now 50. Cool . . . 
posted by
JimmyA
on March 7, 2014 at 10:38 AM
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i'll never forget my 50th birthday when one of my bros on the phone who was 55 said, "welcome to the fifties." i am the youngest as well. I am now 52 and my eldest sib is 62. we were like a staircase growing up 2 years apart for the five of us. glad so many could be together in your family for the celebration!
posted by
Carolyn_Moe
on March 7, 2014 at 5:41 AM
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Re:
Very true, TAPS, on both counts. Years from now it probably will not have made much of a difference, but I still wish I could be there with him. Since we hardly see each other, any excuse to get together should be acted upon . . . when possible. This time it just wasn't . . . 
posted by
JimmyA
on March 6, 2014 at 1:17 PM
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This is one of those times my Dad would have said, "A hundred years from now no one will know the difference anyway." Too bad it worked out this way though. Families are important and special.
posted by
TAPS.
on March 6, 2014 at 8:38 AM
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Re:
I understand, Utah. Sometimes it is best to look at it as 'just another number,' especially as we age! My sister-in-law did say that my brother wasn't worried about a celebration in any form anyway, but that's not really the point. If there was a gathering, his siblings should be there! But, what's done is done. Let's see what happens as we all start to hit '60' . . .
posted by
JimmyA
on March 6, 2014 at 8:06 AM
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Re: Jimmy
Thanks, Justi. That's really appreciated. These are once-in-a-lifetime occasions, and once they pass, they are gone forever, like missing your child's graduation or someone's wedding ( although, these days, that may not be a once-in-a-lifetime thing anymore). But, my brother seemed okay with it, and his feelings were more important than anything else . . .
posted by
JimmyA
on March 6, 2014 at 8:03 AM
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Re: JimmyA
Thanks, Sir Wiley. Yes, for a while there, we really did think my sister-in-law may have done this on purpose, for some diabolical reason. I really hope that's not the case. According to my brother, it's really no big deal, one way or the other. But I think, deep down, he would have greatly appreciated at least one or two of us being down there with him! Oh well . . . 
posted by
JimmyA
on March 6, 2014 at 8:00 AM
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Re:
Thanks so much, lovelylady. Having experienced something similar, I'm sure you know how my wife and I feel. It is one of the drawbacks of being so far apart, but like I wrote, my wife and I were perfectly willing . . . if we had enough time to make certain plans! Well, it's over and done with now. Life goes on, I guess . . .
posted by
JimmyA
on March 6, 2014 at 7:58 AM
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Re:
Of course, FSI. After all, this is my brother, not hers! Like I wrote, I have a big family that's fairly spread out, but we all do make the effort to be together on such occasions. This was definitely a let-down. I already spoke to my brother last night, and he too totally understands. But it's still disappointing, nonetheless . . .
posted by
JimmyA
on March 6, 2014 at 7:55 AM
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Re: Jimmy
Perhaps, Naut. Believe it or not, at first I really did think my SIL had done it on purpose. We all do get along with her 'okay,' but it's no family secret that they moved from Jersey to Carolina because that's what she wanted ( guess where her brother and parents live? ). Then we thought she did that so no one would feel guilty about not being able to make it, and she wouldn't feel bad about inconveniencing anyone. Whatever. It's too late know . . .
posted by
JimmyA
on March 6, 2014 at 7:52 AM
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I too feel sad for you as this is your families tradition, on the other hand, I had one birthday party when I turned ten and I feel it was sufficient, now my wife and I share a moment on our birthdays, but other than that it is hush, hush.
posted by
UtahJay
on March 5, 2014 at 11:00 PM
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Jimmy
I am so sorry about this. I double what Wiley said and we not only will pray for your brother Johnny but for you and all the siblings. God bless you.
posted by
Justi
on March 5, 2014 at 7:14 PM
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JimmyA
I am sorry about your predicament, somehthing like an intentional act of aggression from SIL. All I can do is offer up a prayer for you & your family
posted by
WileyJohn
on March 5, 2014 at 5:26 PM
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I'm so sorry Jimmy. I can feel how much it would have meant to you-and to all your siblings and your wife as well-to be there with him on this very special day. It was very rude of your sister in law to have changed her mind at the last second. My Mum did something similar to me just the other day, so I can understand some of what you're feeling.
A very happy birthday to your brother from me, and a 
for you and your wife.
posted by
lovelyladymonk
on March 5, 2014 at 12:53 PM
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That is something how that happened...I myself cannot recall someone I know ever doing that...I would be feeling miffed at her as well.
posted by
FormerStudentIntern
on March 5, 2014 at 12:00 PM
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Jimmy
Well, it's annoying, but I'm sure there were no 'evil' intentions. I think the word 'thoughtless' applies here...
posted by
Nautikos
on March 5, 2014 at 8:06 AM
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