Auntie ABATE / “Cuz” Report

Dear “Cuz”,

I’m not feeling this brotherhood thing. What is it anyway?

                                                Only Child

Dear Child,

Let me explain.

Brotherhood, Sisterhood and Friendship.

July is a month of reflection for me. It’s the anniversary of my birth and the anniversary of the birth of two of my closest sister/friends. One from our motorcycling community and one “lay” person, so to speak, from England. These are people that I had developed friendships with years ago, and although our lives may have twisted and turned us in different directions sometimes, I was able to call or visit either one of these women and we would just take up where we left off. I could depend on them and I’m hoping they felt that they could depend on me at any time for anything. Both of these friends left us this past year to “visit relatives in the old country” and it has left a definite void in my life. Yes, I stay in contact with their family and friends, but the void is there just the same.

I hope that all of you have the opportunity in your lifetime to form this kind of a relationship with someone. It’s called “brotherhood” and there’s nothing stronger than that kind of bond. Sally Doxtator told me that she always carries a copy of the newsletter in her car with her because if she needs something on the road, she “Knows People”. That’s what ABATE brings to the table. That’s what Brotherhood is all about.

So, life goes on and new friendships develop. Memories keep being made and we stay busy. We go on Memorial Rides and we reflect. Time is fleeting by – for some of us, faster than others. My birthday wish is that we all make the best of the time we have, enjoy the friendships we have developed and genuinely appreciate the family that is ours, both inside and outside of ABATE of Wisconsin.

Cheers!