Between Brothers

Al Morris, 79, and his older brother Gene Morris, 88, spend time in Gene’s workshop in their shared home in Excelsior Springs, Missouri on September 19, 2022. Al moved in with Gene after his wife died, and now Gene tries to keep both their minds occupied with building projects.

Al Morris, 79, rests at home in Excelsior Springs on September 22, 2022. Al moved into his older brother Gene’s house after his wife died. The brothers and their wives, Bell and Judy, were close friends for decades.

Al Morris, 79, sorts through boxes with his belongings on September 22, 2022, in Excelsior Springs, Missouri. After his wife died, Al Morris packed their long life together in boxes and moved into his brother Gene’s house.

Al Morris, 79, waits for his older brother Gene in their home workshop in Excelsior Springs on September 21, 2022. He moved from Texas to live with Gene after his wife died. It takes some time getting used to living together, Al said. “I miss going to the cemetery and visit my wife. For a while, there wasn’t a day that I didn’t go by.”

Gene Morris, 88, at right, gives direction to his brother Al Morris, 79, while driving in Excelsior Springs, Missouri, on September 20, 2022. The two joke often in each other's company, especially when driving. After passing roadkill, they discussed how many joeys an opossum can get, which brought back memories of the white bunnies they had as children.

Gene Morris, 88, at top, exercises at the Excelsior Springs Citizens Center on September 22, 2022. “If you don’t keep busy, you get old,” Gene said.

Al Morris, 79, exercises at the Excelsior Springs Citizens Center on September 22, 2022. On the gym’s speakers, the Bee Gees’ song More Than A Woman plays.

Al and Gene Morris, 79 and 88, are regulars at the diner where they have breakfast. They eat all their meals out at restaurants, a part of their synchronised daily routine.

Gene Morris, 88, explains a woodwork technique to his younger brother Al Morris, 79, in his workshop at their shared home in Excelsior Springs, Missouri, on September 21, 2022. During his marriage, Gene always solved conflicts and sorrows by working with his hands. After Al lost his wife, Gene is using that same strategy to uplift him.

Al Morris, 79, and Gene Morris, 88, spend time together in the workshop at their shared home in Excelsior Springs, Missouri, on September 21, 2022.