Sacrifice to elder brother-in-law

At around 10 o'clock this morning (March 31, 2016), I answered my second brother's call.

Hearing the low-pitched greeting from the second brother: "Third brother, are you ready to eat?"

I felt vaguely that something was wrong for about a few seconds.

"What time will we have dinner?"

"The eldest brother-in-law passed away."

I paused for a few seconds.

"What? Why is it so sudden?"

The eldest sister is next to me. I advise my sister to face it. The eldest brother-in-law's parents are here, so do what they want.

My eldest brother-in-law has had heart surgery for more than 8 years, and he can still work as an electrician in a factory near his home, although sometimes he says he is a little tired and doesn’t want to do it.

Although the eldest brother-in-law was born in a rural family, his father worked in a tobacco company and his family was well off, so he had never done any heavy work.

Every time he talks about being tired, I tell him, how tired can he be, just keep doing it. In the past few years, he has persisted in this way.

My eldest brother-in-law is 6 years older than me. When he got married, I was still in junior high school.

When I was in technical secondary school, my eldest brother-in-law worked at a tobacco station in the countryside and couldn’t take care of cleaning up the land at home. During the summer vacation, I would go to his house to help pull weeds. I said it was to help, but actually I meant it. Greedy for beer.

When I was in technical secondary school, my eldest brother-in-law would give me some money before school started, although he was not particularly wealthy.

After I started working, we spent less time seeing each other. Thinking about it, we would also talk on the phone and have a brotherly friendship.

At the age of over 50, he has completed the journey and no longer has to complain about his father for not letting him take over the job, nor does he no longer have to consider whether to find a lighter job.

At noon, I called my second brother. My eldest brother-in-law has been cremated and will be buried in his family’s cemetery tomorrow. My nephew hasn't arrived home yet, and he hasn't even seen his father for the last time.

I don’t know how sad my nephew will be sitting on the train now. I don’t dare to call him. What’s the use of comforting him?

No one can escape some experiences.

I feel the fragility of life again, just live well.

Eldest brother-in-law, I still say the same thing. You will always be my eldest brother-in-law. You left in such a hurry. I can’t send you my third brother-in-law. I hope you don’t blame me.

During the Qingming Festival, when I go back to visit my parents’ graves, I will meet my sister and nephews, talk to them, and ease their grief.

Brother-in-law, please go away!

This article is written in memory of my eldest brother-in-law who passed away last night.