Brothers have a unique bond, and sometimes the business of life can cause that bond to be taken for granted.
Two brothers who attend Marjory Stonemason Douglas High School in Parkland, Florida immediately began to think of one another as the shooting rang out, as evidenced in a series of panicked text messages they exchanged while the horrific scene unfolded around them. Their interaction provides a chilling window into what it felt like during the harrowing ordeal, and demonstrated the power of the brotherly bond.
Sam and Matthew Zeif began texting back and forth, a series of messages that older brother Sam, 18, published on Twitter last night.
Matthew, 14, immediately tells his big brother that he’s “the best brother” and tragically breaks the news that his teacher had died.
“Just know, I love you” Matthew wrote.
“I love you too” Sam responded. “We’re gonna get out of here I promise,” he added, while also advising Matthew not to do anything.
See the chilling exchange below:
Scariest part of it all was knowing my little brother was right above me and not knowing if I would ever see him again. I’ve never really treated him the way he deserved. Not anymore. Seeing his face outside of school was the most relief I had ever felt. My prayers to all. pic.twitter.com/Iq8CHVNXd0
— Uncle Sam Zeif (@SzZeif) February 15, 2018
Sam said later on Twitter that not knowing if he was ever going to see Matthew again was the scariest part of all, while adding that “seeing his face outside of school was the most relief I had ever felt.”
“My prayers to all,” he added at the end of the tweet.
An incredible exchange that really puts what matters into perspective.
Sam mentions immediately being filled with regret at not being a better brother, and vowed to rectify that. “I’ve never really treated him the way he deserved. Not anymore,” Sam said.
Prayers to all, indeed.