Family means so so much

Emily (pointing), Phil, Alanna and Malcolm.

Last night and today Malcolm showed signs of shock from what he has seen in town. All I can do is be there, and listen when he feels like talking. For the large part, he thinks of his brother, Phil. Phil was working in town at the time of the earthquake. He was on the fourth floor of a building he was doing work on (from September quake). During the earthquake Phil managed to get out of his building alive. That building has collapsed and is now lying on the road. Under the rubble is Phil's truck.

Tonight, Phil, Renee, and the girls popped round to wish 'Uncle Malcolm' a happy birthday. They ended up staying for tea, and some much needed bourbon. Anyone who knows Phil can tell that he is deeply troubled by Tuesday's events...how does one heal from that sort of experience?

When they left, he and Phil shook hands, and pulled each other close for a hug. This I had never seen before. I nearly cried.

Family means so much.