I’m neither Palestinian or Israeli, but I have friends that are both. It always appeared to me that a two or three state solution would be the best measure to handle the situation that the world is in. What I mean is that this situation, drama and undying human suffering affects us all. Too many facets and involvements with history, revenge as well as promises and sometimes with ulterior motives abound – with families, friends and communities caught in the crossfire.

I don’t talk about the Middle East much, because the more I learn the less I seem to understand. Many, many people, hope and pray for the end of the conflict or by some miracle a compromise. Abraham from what I recall came from Iraq, the cradle of civilization. He is a brother to the Jews, Christians and Muslims.

I quarreled with my own brother growing up. Now that he’s gone, I miss him dearly. I question myself now. What if I could have been different – treated him better, helped him sooner, looked out for him more? All I have now is a lonely place left that my brother once held.

We loved each other when we were young, we were in rock bands together. Then I quit playing music together with him and we grew apart. My brother continued with music, toured the world, while I was critical of him and his reckless decisions and lifestyle.

Since he’s gone I’ve been taking music lessons again, playing coffee shops and kicking around the idea of becoming a guitar instructor after I retire or make it my next career. I wish that I would have found the mercy sooner that I sense and feel now.

I wish that I would not have been so judgmental in my earlier years and been a better friend to my brother. The music that has been lost, can never be regained, the hugs that we missed and the laughs that could have been shared have been silenced to the criticism of critical adult reasonings of which I can never regain.

Let’s celebrate any opportunities to embrace each other before a dusk of regret sets into a permanent reality of emptiness and isolation envelopes our souls. We can solve this problem one way or another, I just hope it can happen with mercy, understanding and love for each other.