“Siblings are like  
branches of a tree.  
We grow in  
different directions,  
yet our roots  
remain as one.”  
Author Unknown

I had an absolutely amazing day yesterday. My brother, Tom, is in town visiting from his home in Los Angeles where he teaches at Loyola-Marymount University. Since he is a Jesuit priest, he stays at the Jesuit residence at Santa Clara University when he visits the South Bay. I picked him up yesterday morning at 6:15 and we drove to San Francisco.

We began with breakfast at Java Beach Café on Judah Street. From there, we walked the short stretch of Sunset Dunes Park from Judah Street to Lincoln Way, the location of the southwest corner of Golden Gate Park. The park is approximately 3.5 miles long from The Great Highway on the west end to Stanyan Street on the east. Our plan for the day was to walk the length of the park, wander around the Haight-Ashbury District for a bit, then return to the west end of the park. 

The photo below (which includes the windmill) was taken a little after 8:00. Then we began walking. The second photo below (Ocean Beach) was taken around 1:00, when we arrived back at the beach. In all, we logged more than 25,000 steps — 12 miles. Not bad for two old guys!

The highlight of the day was the conversation we enjoyed along the way. Much of what we discussed had to do with childhood memories of various sites in the park. Of course, we also talked about family, friends, growing up, and life in general. I could not have asked for a better day.

Bryan Pulsifer, a Canadian author, said this about brotherhood: “Once a brother, always a brother, no matter the distance, no matter the difference, and no matter the issue.”

I have always been, and will always be, grateful to have Tom as my brother. His positive influence in my life has been significant.