life of pi

Last night, Christmas Eve, we took my brother out for Chinese dinner and a movie.  That's what Jewish people do on Christmas Eve.  He did ok at the dinner.  In fact, he told us he likes spicy food, and he doesn't get it at the nursing home. 

The movie was "Life of Pi".  It was in 3-D and he had to wear glasses.  He didn't seem to like the glasses.  After the movie I asked him what the problem was.  I didn't get a clear answer.  I wonder what his brain does with the images, and I guess I will never know.  When I asked him if he liked the movie (he had wanted to see either Lincoln, which we had seen, or the one on FDR, which none of us wanted to see) he said it was the strangest movie he had ever seen.  Well, it was pretty strange, I'll vouch for that!  But I really liked it.

It was a nice evening, despite the fact that there was a lot of down time between dinner and the movie.  If he hadn't of been with us, we could have gone for a walk, or stopped for coffee somewhere.  But I shouldn't complain.  At least he is pretty healthy right now.  I feel fine about leaving down for  4-5 days, we are going to Minnesota to visit with family and friends. 

This time is a little depressing for me.  I remember the holidays the last several years when my parents and my brother were all so sick.  My mother had really liked reading the book, "The Life of Pi" and I couldn't read it with her because she was dying when she was reading it and I was stretched to the limit, visiting her and taking care of my family.  After that, I just couldn't bear to read it, because I missed her so much.  I am happy, though, that enough time has passed so I can see the movie, and now maybe I can find the strength to read the book.

It is strange to have my life back together and not to have to worry so much or feel so much loss.  I feel a little guilty about enjoying myself while my brother is stuck in a nursing home.  But there is no way I could keep him busy and occupied because he can't do much of anything since his mobility is so limited.

Holidays are hard.