Thanks Orchid. One thing I miss from Cuba are the hugs...thanks for yours!

I have two other brothers. But when our youngest brother died 3 years ago, there was another life-changing incident that occurred the same week, and our family was shattered forever. The damage was irreparable and none of us, or our family, will ever be the same. While my one brother and I were not directly involved, things are such that my presence at the wedding would cause distress to others there. I'm still in contact with my oldest brother, and our relationship is intact, but we rarely see each other since Gary died.

It wouldn't hurt so much if we hadn't always been such a tight-knit, loving family - and my brothers and I still love each other very much, but, well, circumstances are what they are right now and I can't alter the ripple effect at this point in time.