Oh Brother, where art thou?

"Brother made a Frosty the snowman who doesn't melt."

"Brother lives on the top of that hill."

"Brother wasn't a good listener today, let's call Santa and tell him."

Yes, Niranjana has a brother — well, an imaginary friend whose name is Brother. There is no way we would ever know if Niranjana has a biological brother. But this brother is part of our family. His birthday is exactly one year off of hers. Once I asked for Brother's name and was told "Cousin." The other day, his name was "Morris." But really, his name is Brother.

This imaginary friend is entirely age appropriate. Sometimes we hear about Brother and the story is obviously connected to something going on in Niranjana's life.

About two months ago we created a Mii (that's a customizable avatar in the Wii video game system) named Brother. Niranjana chose the features so we have an idea of what Brother looks like in her mind. He looks a little more black than Indian, but with freckles, short spiky hair and a chin-beard.

Tonight before Niranjana and I came home, Andy changed his Mii to reflect his newly shaved head. The chemo is working, so his hair was falling out — on Wednesday he cut to the chase, literally, and now is Mr. Clean. Niranjana is getting used to the look.

We can tell because, just before dinner tonight, Brother got a new hair style. He's now bald. Just like Daddy.