Sunday, December 26, 2010

Christmas with Patrick










Christmas is the only day I see my brother Patrick. Every visit is more than enough for the year.

My brother has always had an incredible imagination. When we were young I thought it bordered on genius. Now I’m thinking his imagination might be symptomatic of dementia.

We both seem to suffer from a form of OCD with our individual manifestations.

I have been a chain smoker, a drug/alcohol addict, a career skydiver (which ruined my credit), and a tyrant when it came to my band. I have a tendency to push every pleasant conversation to the point of torture.

My brother’s chemical obsessions leave mine in the dust. His stories turn to fantasies he becomes convinced are reality.

I remember his Christmas visits when I was married. My ex, Kim, was always terrified he’d make a scene in front of her parents and he always did. I’ll never forget the year he was so rude and obnoxious Kim burst into tears yelling, “I don’t ever want him in my house again!”

I was always impressed with her parents’ tolerance. They were pretty uptight otherwise. The image of my 8 year old son, tears welling in his eyes, telling me, “This is the worst Christmas ever!” is permanently burned into memory.

My brother and I share a lot of very dear friends. They’re always asking how he is and why they never see him anymore. Patrick dropped out of society 20 years ago and has no intention of dropping back in.

Our friend Fojammi is in the hospital following surgery. Just before the operation I told him I’d bring Patrick by Christmas day, provided he wasn’t already too drunk.

Danny wasn’t feeling well so our visit was short. Coming down on the elevator, my son pointed out there was no 12th or 13th floor button. I assumed these were floors that normal folks weren’t supposed to have access to.

The elevator was crowded, so I guess Patrick felt compelled to put on a show.

He gave us all a lecture about the government putting the 13th floor in the basement and running their secret conspiracies from there. This was happening in large buildings all over the world. It was the wildest “Beware of the big bad government” story I’d ever heard. Every jaw in the elevator had dropped by the time we exited.

From there Valerie, my kids, my mom, my brother and I met up at our apartment to share Christmas.

Valerie only smokes in our kitchen. I guess my brother figured it was the designated smoking area. He said he wanted to hang there for a smoke and asked if he could have a beer. I had just gotten a Christmas six pack from my ex’s boyfriend. I popped off a crown cap with my church key and handed him one.

I left the room to visit every one else around the tree. I came back after what seemed the time it took to smoke one cigarette. All six bottles were empty in the trash can. I never really saw him drink, but in the few hours he spent with us he drank three six packs and half a bottle of whiskey.

After 4 beers I wake up with a hangover. I can’t imagine what his mornings are like.

My son loves his uncle Patrick. He’s always wondered why I’ve always been so apprehensive about my brother’s Christmas visits. This year Dylan admitted Patrick was more fun to talk to the more sober he was.

In spite of that Dylan had a wonderful time. One of his gifts was a bottleneck slide. I taught him to tune my guitar to open G and almost immediately he figured out Leadbelly’s Black Girl. He played and Patrick belted out the lyrics. Dylan talked about it all night after everyone left. “How did Uncle Patrick know all the words?”

He’d be surprised to find out how much Uncle Patrick knows.

I have the most beautifully dysfunctional family. My mother has always been curt with her opinions and not at all sentimental about ritual. My brother is just out of his mind and the tension between the three of us drives most people to despair.

Somehow Valerie embraces the whole situation. Every Christmas is a zoo and my son sees it all as family tradition. I’m not sure about my daughter Chloe but at the end of the night she smiled and very quietly said, “This is the best Christmas ever!”

The kids and I were camping so Valerie went to see George Clinton at Vintage Vinyl to represent. She took this pic of Patrick and his long time girlfriend Gwen.

Patrick and me a couple of years ago at Christmas.

Group photo of us with my mom’s mom, brother and family. This was a family reunion in Hardy Arkansas late 70s or early 80s.

70s pic taken by Matt O’Shea with our beloved Cokes.

Soulard pic of us just before we moved away from home.

The second to last one shows my brother with an eye patch. He had to wear those for a while. He was a pirate even back then.


8 comments:

Dorothy Dolores said...

Excellent writing, one of your best pieces.

Tracy said...

so great to see Patrick (and from a safe distance too!) I miss him very much. I love the theory about the 13th floor being put in the basement! classic Patrick!

Dorothy Dolores said...

I should have also acknowledged the pain of Patrick's situation. I'm sorry he's under the slavery of addiction. You and your mom, I know, feel the pain of loving him, and knowing he must live this chosen life on his own terms. Been there. And saying a prayer for you all.

Anonymous said...

I must say, I have heard other people state that conspiracy theory as well. I was upset, not because of Uncle Patrick's condition, but that mom caused him always to feel the urge that he should just go home. I didn't want him to leave. I thought it was amazing that he knew all the words to the song because of his condition, I, as well, love Leadbelly. I still say I want us to see him more often. F*#ked up or not, he is still family and still deserves the love of his family. I have always found him funny no matter his condition. Also, I agree, this is one of my favorite posts so far.

Dylan

Anonymous said...

Dave, I love you and Patrick forever. I miss him so.
Margie

Unknown said...

You don't get to choose who your siblings will be. It sounds like you handle it well. I'm proud of you for not just completely blowing him off. I will always have a special place for both of you in my heart. You were part of my childhood. Love you always, April

Unknown said...

P.S. Sometimes the thought of walking away from life sounds fun. :) Selfish yes indeed, but free from all this responsibility.

Anonymous said...

David I feel for you and your mom. I now understand our talks about Patrick. I'm sorry he is caught up in the addiction lifestyle and know how helpless you all must feel. I will always have a special place in my heart for both You and Patrick, you guys were a big part of my teen years. We had good times then and its always good to see you occasionally. I will always miss Patrick since decided to drop out of the real world so long ago. I do have fond memories of the old days. Forever friends Debbie Anth.