True Brotherhood

In the mindset of our current society’s culture, the terms ‘Brother’ and ‘Brotherhood’ have evolved into meaningless clichés. A worthless adolescent tagline, like elementary school kids calling a classmate BFF, when in reality they won’t even like each other after a few weeks. Even the term ‘Friend’ has lost its meaning. It amazes me how people can claim to have hundreds of ‘Friends’, yet know nothing about them, nor have they ever met them. But that’s the world they live in.

In our world, however, the label of ‘Brother’ has deep and serious implications. To claim your a ‘Brother’ is to declare that there exists a bond; unbreakable and secure. To call a man a brother means he has proven himself to be loyal, trustworthy, and straightforward, (even when he has lapses of common sense). A true brother doesn’t do things for you just so he can hang with you. A true brother doesn’t suck up in the hopes you’ll let him be your friend. No, men become brothers because they can’t do otherwise. It is as natural as eating, or taking your next breath.

True brothers don’t start out to form a bond. That bond is formed at the basest level of his soul, in his spirit. Unlike blood relatives, this bond doesn’t allow for hurt feelings over conceived wrong doing. You don’t break ties because you misconstrue what was said or heard. It calls for getting things out in the open and clarified. And when all is said and done, it calls for trust. Because, as said earlier, your brother is proven.

Brotherhood is standing beside, and in some cases, stepping in front of, your partner. Not because you have to, or because it’s what is expected. No, true brotherhood is covering your partner’s back simply because it’s the thing to do. And a true brother isn’t afraid to hurt your feelings and let you know if you’re screwing up. He will give you his last dollar if it’s what you need. He will also give you a good kick in the butt, if that’s what is needed. Even when everyone else turns their backs on you, he’s still there for you. He doesn’t have to constantly be held up and confirmed. In fact, true brothers can go months, years, and even decades without contact. But you know he’s there, and will show up if needed, even if he’s not asked. And no matter how long it’s been since you’ve seen him, there’s no awkwardness. No fear that the bond has been broken.

This form of brotherhood runs even deeper than just the him, because his family becomes your family. No questions, no reservations. His wife is your sister. His kids are your nieces and nephews. And they are all as much of your responsibility as if they lived in your household. This brotherhood I’m speaking of is extremely rare. Few men have ever had the privilege of experiencing it. I feel for them, as I am one of the few. And that makes me a very blessed and privileged man.

THE DISCLAIMER:

Now I’m not talking MC brotherhood. That’s a totally different animal. That form of brotherhood is loyal to the Club. Their bond is based on the Club. They don’t (and shouldn’t) let just anyone in without a proven dedication to the Club. I get it. I respect it. But what I’m addressing here is personal brotherhood. How a patch holder deals with the possible conflict between the two, I have no idea. But then, as those who wear a patch would tell you, that's why I don't have one.