We all have one of “those” relatives that are hard to explain. For me, it’s this guy. Captain America.
Even though Bruce is referred to as “My Brother-In-Law From Hell”, full disclosure, I love this man. Frequently, however, our opinions are galaxies apart. Infinite galaxies. But over the years we have found ways to work around our differences without involving any death stars. Sparring, tucking, rolling…you get the idea. That all changed over the past year. You see, my Brother-In-Law…bare with me…this is so hard…*weeping*…supports #45. In a BIG way!
OK. There. I said it. Just yesterday I was talking to Barrie Doyle , a former professor (now friend), at one of his book signings. We were talking about how this particular difference of opinion has divided long-time friends and even family members. It has brought out the worst in everyone. I was determined not to to let this happen between Bruce and I. Soooo…this is how our conversations go whenever politics rears its ugly head:
Him: He’s great!
Me: I love you Bruce.
Him: Did you see whatever very, very amazing thing he did that day?
Me: I love you Bruce.
Him: He’s making everything better!
Me: I love you Bruce.
This will go on until he either gives up and leaves the room, or I leave the room, or my sister comes into the room, gives us both “the eye” and asks what’s going on, at which point we both leave the room. My latest visit south of the border put me in a very awkward spot. Bruce was doing something to my vehicle (no, he wasn’t cutting the brake lines) as he keeps the thing going for me. Then he took it for a spin, but within the length of two houses, turned around and put it back in the driveway. He immediately told me “there is no way you can drive that car.” It was unsafe. The back wheel was about to fall off. This resulted in me driving with Bruce in his truck to get parts for my car. I was trapped in the front seat for the duration.
Later, when I started to tell He-Who about my being a captive audience, He-Who started to laugh uncontrollably. He didn’t stop all night. Every time he looked at me he started to laugh again. He knew exactly what had happened — Bruce started singing #45’s praises as soon as my seatbelt clicked. I was like a deer caught in headlights. Now, this man was taking me to get parts for my car. Then he would take those parts and fix my car (no matter how long it took) so I could drive back home, safely. There was no way I was going to berate his hero. So I bit my tongue. I bit the inside of my mouth. I recited to myself, “I love you Bruce. I love you Bruce”…the whole way. When we got back he had a big grin on his face and I looked like Munch’s The Scream. My sister took one look at me and did a double facepalm. 
Here’s the thing. This man who makes me crazy with his politics is also kind, big hearted, generous, brave, hard working and… my family. That’s not to say that he’s a saint. He’s made his share of blunders. He’s also the first person to offer a helping hand. He would give you the shirt off his back and offer to have it cleaned first. As I said, over the years, he’s kept more than one of my vehicles on the road. He works hard at whatever he takes on. Some of his construction jobs have had him working in sweltering heat or frigid ice. He’s worked at heights that he admits terrify him. Not too long ago he had to conquer both his fear of heights and “big ass” spiders while working on the Grand Island Bridge.
Off the job he’s the first to volunteer when someone needs a nail hammered, a screw turned, or a shower plumbed. He’s a good husband to my baby sister
and a good father to her children. Raising them as his own and putting up with a lot that only a father could understand. He has kept his family safe and sound. When someone needs him, he’s there, usually before he is asked. And one of the things he does better than anyone, is making this little one feel like a real life Princess.
Not the one on the left. The little one on the right is his Princess.
He is her Prince Charming, her hero, her Papa. He calls her his Best Buddy.
All of his grandchildren know that he will never let them down. He will listen to them and embrace them with a hug that you know is genuine. I can vouch for that hug. He greets me with one of those hugs and says good bye with one of those hugs. Every time! It makes you feel loved and cared for. One of his favourite things is to be the first person to wish me a Happy Birthday. On that day every year, long before the sun is up, the phone will ring and I am treated to his rendition of “Happy Birthday”. He is a man of many talents and quite the mystery, I might add. Perhaps a little more like James Bond than Captain America.
Although I refuse to agree with his politics, I can’t bring myself to hold them against him. Unless, of course, I get trapped in a car alone with him again.
HaHaHaHaHaHaHa etc.etc.
Yeah, still laughing.
“I love you Michele” ps I still think # 45 is doing a great job!!!
Heheheheh…love you too Bruce!
I can understand your love for Captain America. Even if one disagree with him politically. I hilarious post, Michelle.
Thanks, Otto. People and relationships in general are funny. We have no control over what is happening with #45 and I don’t even live in the same country. The maximum time we can all do with this situation is 8 years (please don’t let that happen) and then he will be gone. Bruce has been family for 30 years and that isn’t going to change.
I have a number of Trump voters in my family. Where they succeed, and where your (understandably) beloved Bruce fails, is that they don’t bring Trump up at family gatherings. Because goading others into a political debate is disrespectful. Such actions change no minds but very much can harden hearts.
He knows better, as a rule. Our relationship is somewhat based on each of us teasing the other. It was all harmless fun until #45. I am a border kid. Born and raised in Niagara Falls, Canada. The US side was almost interchangeable with our side. Almost borderless. Especially when I was a child. There has always been a friendly rivalry between the two. We even have a “tug of war” between the two police departments every year across one of the connecting bridges. Things have changed recently with #45 denouncing Canada and in some cases the friendly rivalry has become mean spirited. It is the first time in my lifetime that I have felt nervous about crossing the border to visit my family. Not because of them but because of the general mood. Crap! this sounds like another blog. Sorry.
No worries. I get it. I am a Republican who voted for Hillary (and Obama, too, twice) because the party has grown far too radical. But Trump is the First president to ever make me ashamed of being an American. His lies, racism, mysogeny, xenophobia, narcissism, laziness, proud ignorance, contempt for our allies, and disdain for the tenets of the Constitution make me nauseous.
Yeah, I have the same uncomfortable tummy.
wow, what a tribute Michelle…..you’ve spoken so highly of him to me over the years….love the Tux pic, ya i see the Bond resemblance. Good read, but one question…DID YOU HAVE TO INCLUDE A PIC OF A “BIG ASS” SPIDER?!!!