My brother's heart.

There was a time we worried Eric's heart would not last.  It was damaged, hardly functional.  The word transplant became part of our family vocabulary.  It wasn't until my brother made a conscious choice to heal, that his heart mended   He had to give his heart to others instead of selfishly counting every beat only for himself.  I don't need to list the lifestyle changes he had to make.  We all know them.  Sometimes good health is simply a decision.  Change the unhealthy patterns in your life and your body responds.  Thank goodness that is all it took.

I collect hearts. I have done this as long as I can remember. Heart-shaped stones, shells, artwork, leaves, jewelry.  Odd hearts from unexpected sources are my favorite.  Sometimes I search them out, but more often than not they find their way to me.

The irony of this has only recently occured to me.  Almost every member of my family has succombed to heart disease.  I keep a close watch on the health of my heart, but at the same time wear it daringly on my sleeve.  I have survived heartbreak many times. This has both strengthened and weakened my heart. I accept the fact that most likely, my heart will be my demise.  That's okay.  It is what it is.

This week a package arrived from my brother. Inside was the most exquisite heart!  Cerulean blue. So blue it makes everything else seem pale. It captures light and holds it within.  It's not quite the shape of a traditional heart, it hints of an anatomical heart.  It is lovely. It was designed by Paloma Picasso for Tiffany & Co.  How wonderful and serenpidipitous!  A gift for no reason, except that he loves me and this treasure spoke to him of me.

My brother captured the essence of who I am on so many levels with his amazing gift.  If I were to choose a a blue that describes me, this heart emanates it.  The shape is just untraditional enough, like me. It has a history and successful designer.  It has value beyond the intrinsic. 

I begin this particular journey by honoring my brother, Eric.  This blog starts with him.  A man that sends me a gift on his birthday.  He is the treasure. The heart he found for me is really his heart, the one he chose to hang on to.  Thank you.  Happy Happy Birthday, Eric!