Then and now....

I've written about my big brother..the Kindergarten Cowboy before.

He's my favorite brother. My oldest brother. My only brother..

But even if he wasn't all of those things, I think he's be one of my favorite "people"..

He's retired and living his dream with his wife in Southern Arizona. A little retirement horse-property. For retired teachers and horses....

He substitute teaches whenever they need him. He volunteers on the "Volunteer Fire Department"....he saves stray horses, dogs and sometimes people...

Last week he was putting a casserole in the oven. He felt dizzy and sat down. Cilla his wife got worried when his eyes wouldn't focus - he was having double vision. Nothing that another little glass of wine wouldn't cure....

Nope, she thought, we need to make the call...

So, they called his volunteer fire department buddies and all were in agreement that he needed to go to the hospital.

Only thing, he lives in the dessert...far into the dessert...

So, in came a helicopter...yep...a helicopter.

Cilla was relieved. Larry was embarassed...until he realized, "Hey - this is pretty cool...a helicopter..."

Seems he had a mini-stroke. He's fine now. I called after a little while because I didn't want to disturb him...ha!

Forgot that he's a Sullivan, too. Hearty stock. Strong. Thick headed...

When I called, he'd just gotten back from riding the horses. Yeah. Horseback riding in the dessert..in the morning, while it was a really cool......99 degrees maybe??...

OK anyway, the title of this post - then and now....

Then: At the wedding of his son, Jim,...dancing with a beautiful Emily, his granddaughter....

...and now: Dancing with the beautiful bride, Emily, his granddaughter....

She's a beautiful wisp if a young women...a teacher..not unlike her beloved Grandpa...

This, my friends, is what it's all about..

-me