Those of us with brothers…sisters…cousins know a bond that transcends all the little squabbles of childhood and beyond. The love of a sibling is just one of those priceless things that we can count on in life. How we delight in watching our grandchildren (Bret and Shannon’s nieces and nephews) forge those relationships, knowing how important they will be for the rest of their lives.
In 1975, when we found the perfect house for our “back to the earth move”, our realtor/ family friend expressed serious concern. She was certain that our children would suffer socialization deficits by moving them so far from town. In actuality, our children became each others best friends. They had no choice but to enjoy each others companionship. What great times they had and what great friends they became!
When Bret received the phone call that his ankle problem was CCS, he turned immediately to his brothers. Many times physically, but always emotionally, they have been right by his side. Recently, the news that the tumors were again spreading had Aaron making flight arrangements and Ryan ready to pick him up.
The three brothers, and of course Shannon, started the visit with a late night “snack” which Bret wrote about below.
With my brother Aaron coming into town late Monday night, I spent the day resting in bed saving my energy so that we could go pick him up from the airport. At midnight on our way to the airport, we stopped to pick up Ryan. Then when Aaron finally arrived at the airport at 12:30 we headed to the only reasonable place at such a late hour, Nick Tahoe’s, for the authentic garbage plate. When I saw the pool of grease at the bottom of my styrofoam container, I wasn’t even remotely interested in digging too deep into my dish. I polished off the burgers on top, and welcomed the ridicule from my brothers who worked their way through the then congealed spoonfuls of grease. Ryan is trying to see the patient side of cardiology. Such a great night having both brothers together again!!
Bret Hoefen - My CCS Story 
Family Bonds- so special! What a great family you have!
siblings are the best! happy that you can all spend some qt together.
I am never eating a garbage plate again (this week)!!! Great pictures!!!
I love those garbage plates. I miss a lot of the food in New York. Some of it is not even there any more. I can’t imagine how I would have turned out if it wasn’t for my brothers and sisters. They are my closest friends.
When our sons are arguing with each other, I often tell myself that it’s so worth the hassle, if they could develop the strong bond that Ryan/Aaron/Bret have for one another!
Agreed! Family bonds are most certainly the strongest. I’m not surprised by the lack of interest in the Garbage plate after being on such a strict, healthy diet….and I don’t blame you a bit! Enjoy your time with the bros.
You are very rich in family bonds and for that I am so happy for you! But next time check out East Ridge Family Diner for those middle of the night romps. I took my cousin Phil there over 20 years ago during a similar escapade after picking him up at the airport late one night. Last week he was still talking about it!
Our son Ryan says they still serve late hours…not sure I need to know why he knows! Lol
Much hugs to all ❤
Heidi J.
Great post!! Wonderful family memories. Is that the beach in Maine ?
So glad you could get together. It’s such a special time when Fred and I get to be together with both kids. It’s rare , so we cherish the moments!
As for the Rochester food…. nothing like it anywhere else. Miss all that and Wegmans too! THe kids have their specialty places that’s a must…when they visit too!! Come to think of it….. the kids do hit those eateries quite late….. Wonder why????
You are so fortunate to have such a close family. And even though this is a terrible thing happening to the whole family it is bringing you all even closer. Our prayers are with your whole family.
What a great posting! I was lucky to have gotten to Nick Tahoe’s during the 3 years we lived up there and loved that garbage plate. Of couse, that was the only meal I had the entire day. I even bought a Nick Tahoe’s t-shirt and just wore that the other day. Of course people in Southern Maryland have no clue what a ‘garbage plate’ is. But I will tell you while visiting Groman’s Chinese Theater in Hollywood someone came up to me and said… “I’ve been to Nick Tahoe’s in Rochester NY!” I couldn’t believe it…on the other side of the country!
I’m glad to hear you were able to get out and about and enjoy your brothers.
Take care!
Sherri
We miss hearing from you but we keep you in our prayers and thoughts.
Ive never had a garbage plate…..the idea of it disgusts me, but my husband said they are amazing! Next time we are there, I will have to at least try one! I love to see Ryan and Bret together. They have all their jokes from growing up and they both are hilarious. It is an amazing bond.
Bret & Shannon,
I continue to follow your blog and to wish you happy times. I am taking your “ride in a good direction” motto to heart in a new way in my own life. I was laid off this week by the Democrat and Chronicle, after 23 years as a reporter for the company. I am focusing on the many good things in my life and trying to see life for the adventure it is. My husband and I enjoyed an 18-mile bike ride today around the bluff at Keuka Lake, which felt great (except for the few miles where we got rained on). May you keep enjoying special moments together and with friends and family. Warmly, Chris Swingle, reporterSwingle@gmail.com
Thank you for your posts. Reading about all of the Family, Shannon & the Siblings, has been nice. Gives us more of an insight to the world Brett grew up in, lives in. What a wonderful loving Family and such a strong support system! We continue to hold Brett, Shannon and the entire Family in our prayers. I still check in every day. It still seems no matter where I go, Brett & this blog come up in conversation. Holding you in our thoughts & prayers…
Yvonne
Good Afternoon Bret and Shan- I was thinking about you guys and thought how many times you have entertained us with your stories of your travels. I recall the folks who would say I check your blog first thing in the AM or afterwork or all day at work, mornig noon and night. Then I thought part about this constant checking makes us feel pretty good. Maybe how good it feels to care about someone. Anyway then I thought maybe Shan and Brett would like to hear stories from us about us and what we are doing. So here goes. Chris Swingle you touched on this when you told of your bike ride.
I have two stories for this week. Gary and I spent a day with your Aunt Judy and Uncle Keven this weekend. The celebration of a half birthday for Justin, 3 1/2 don’t you know. He makes me think about how you boys were when you were young. Hanging out and particpating in every activity you could conger up. Always moving, learning and laughing. Justin uses us adults as if we are toys. He made up this game. He had us lined up sitting on the ground. We all had a little ball that came in a game. At his command or when he said some “sound” we were to throw our balls at him. The more that hit him the better. Laugh and laugh. Uncle Keven through his own twist. He like to trip Justin every time he ran by him. Just couldn’t resist. It was funny.
My second story I think your cousin Jeff is jealous. I am traveling up to Sackets Harbor this weekend. On the 2nd there are festivities at the old Madison Barricks Polo grounds. There will be 4 bands playing from 11:00 to 9:00 starting with Waydwon Wailers (I don’t know them), Whirlwind (don’t know them), Blue Coupe (former Blue Oyster Cult- Bouchards are from Clayton) can’t wait till they sing Don’t Fear the Reaper- although it will probably need more cow bell. Finally the Spin Doctors. Maybe you have heard of these guys. I am excited and maybe I will tell you more next week. Best of all I will see my friends from my teenage years and that is always a great time.
Take care and I hope you enjoyed my stories.
Love Dawn
Hi Bret, Shannon, Betsy and Jim!
It was so good to read a post from your wonderful family! What a great post indeed..family bonds are the BEST!! You have raised your boys to love each other and be there for each other so that bond will NEVER break- A job well done!! We hope the time you have with each other has been spent with laughter and shareing memories 🙂
I am fortunate to have a big family full of siblings (5 of us)! Our bonds have always been good but since my diagnosis those bonds have grown tighter 🙂 I feel so blessed to have such great friends and family!
Despite the limited communication we keep you ALL close in our hearts and Prayers! There is not one day that goes by when we don’t think of you and say prayers! Please know we are here for you ANYTIME!!
With love,
Carolina and Craig
thinking of you and your family, just stopping in to say hi. the picture (s) of the brothers are wonderful!
Bret and Shannon,
I wanted to let you know that we are thinking of you and wish you and your family a happy 4th of July weekend! 🙂
Wishing y’all a happy 4th of July. thinking of you and keeping all of you in our prayers.
Hope you have a wonderful holiday Bret and Shannon. I think of you often and hope you are doing well.
thinking of you and your family…hope all is well and would love to read another post soon….
Dan
Summer is definitely a time for sibling fun.Glad to see the photo of the three boys. I love the castle building! The Biggee crew is crossing the miles to do the same. It is great for all to savor these moments.
Also, the social studies teacher in me is glad to see that you are enjoying those historical documentaries and biographies. Prayers and thoughts are always there for you and your family.
Have a wonderful summer.
Mrs. Biggee
I hope all is well with you Bret and Shannon. I didn’t make it to Rochester this year, but I want you to know that I think of you often. I know you are spending quality time with your family and no matter where you are , every moment is precious. Have a great summer.