I hope the twin is getting psychological and scientific help to realize that

he is not the same person as his suicidal brother.
A lot may be determined by whether they were fraternal or identical twins.
Fraternal twins are biologically like any other brothers. Identical twins have so much more in common, and here he may need a well-trained geneticist to explain how they are different, one twin from the other, so he will not feel that similar feelings and actions are inevitable.

I'm sorry for you and all the family in this situation.

Why are you running up your post count? nt

Yes, Christmas music in moderation - ca 1-3 per day.

Spread them out, please, so we're not overwhelmed and then nothing. Please note what will be played, so we don't waste time with ones we're not so fond of and can go directly to the good'uns.

I'm not overly fond of Gregorian chant; prefer the more melodious tones.

Thanks for sharing. I get the reference to German Catholics...

I've been around them all my life, as my area has a deep German heritage. Yes, they are quite rigid, and intent on 'rules', it seems. (Hope I'm not stepping too hard on anyone's toes.)

I'm from a more easy-going background - 1/2 American-Irish (in the US since 1820, but still grounded in Irish loyalty) and 1/2 French-Canadian, mostly, though a bit of German on both sides. I don't fret much re 'rules'; just trying to get through each day with no harm done to myself or others.

Your story is very interesting, and I'll be looking for your posts.

I am in your camp, Th1onein, as are many longtime Democrats.

We were Democrats before this was even an issue - statewise & Roe v Wade.

You are obviously blessed to have each other, both committed

even when the going gets a little rougher, as it does almost inevitably as the years grow long.

Since your decision to have or not have children is a moot point, it shouldn't be allowed to get in the way of spiritual and religious life. We are all creatures of the circumstances into which we were born and raised, and our own innate personalities play a distinct part in the way we live our lives. I believe that poverty among Irish families was especially common in the 30's, 40's and beyond, as portrayed so beautifully but graphically in McCourt's 'Angela's Ashes'.

Perhaps in the abstract "a house filled with children" is a wonderful thing, but it's sure not for everyone. I have seen the examples of the children of large families wanting none or one, and can understand where they're coming from.
Anyway, no need to worry yourself re that aspect now.

As a person closer to your husband's age than your own, I understand that, in addition to his vision problem, the energy to act or make a change is not always there. As for the idea of a marriage blessing, he likely has come to terms with the decision you and he made many years ago, and there's no point in beating a dead horse, so to speak. You can just leave the door open in that respect, and let him know that, should that appeal to him at some time in the future, you would be open to making it happen.

As for the care needed for an aging spouse, the stress and physical tiredness is there. My spouse was in nursing care for a number of years, and I daily saw examples of heroic caring for the other among the residents. As with you, I firmly believe in asking for the strength and wisdom to get us through the present problem. All will be well.

With your husband suffering those family losses - now and to come-

it could give him comfort to have his (and your) marriage blessed by a priest.
I think at that time of life, you'd like to think you've done all the you could to have things right in heart and mind.
I think that's even more important than the confirmation.

You both are obviously good people, caring for each other and family.

Well, of course, you're correct, and often I do go to Wikipedia or Google

the subject.
Other times, I'm either in a hurry or consider it a 'throw-away' comment, assuming most people don't know or care about it so much.
Again, I appreciate your clearing up my vagueness or inaccuracies. I learn so much on DU from the precision and greater knowledge of so many here, which is what keeps me coming back. I say that in all sincerity. No snark.

Sorry, sir. I don't understand what is in the comment

that led you to interpret it as calling out atheists.

Thank you, Jim. It's my memory

that's a little bit off. Glad your is better than mine.
By the 1960's, the care packages I saw were inside the diapers I was changing.