Today I had pretty much the same lunch I have had nearly every day since the hot weather arrived, somewhen in May. Pouring the prefab ingredients from their resealable bag into a bowl.

As usual, I looked at the company name on the bag.

My brother, who lives six hours away, works for that company. In fact, he has his hands and eyes in the manufacture of this product (among others). And the building where he works is the only place in this part of the country where his company makes that product.

I am sure that just two or three days ago, this bag was in the same room as he. That he watched it get packed and loaded on a truck, on its way to many places, including our grocery store.

I don't think we've ever told him we eat his product. In fact, I don't think we've exchanged words at all since Christmas. Not that there is any tension between us. That's just normal for us.

But I find it reassuring every time I open one of those bags. I don't know why, but I do. I feel connected to my brother every day now.

It feels good.