Hello stef1 and thank you for your thoughts. I hadn't heard from you for awhile and so I'm happy to know that you are alive, well and active. Yes, there are six brothers in the family, and also four sisters. Counting our mother and father, that meant twelve people sharing the same house. There was never a dull moment.
The Redford film is a masterpiece, but Norman Maclean's novel, on which the film was based, is the real classic. It's an unforgettable story and when you read it, you won't be surprised that Robert Redford decided to make a film adaptation of it.
Yes, Tim's noticing of Pat's left hand is a beautiful detail and it sums up the bonds of love and friendship shared by the brothers. The same is true for the rest of the family as well. We live in various parts of the country, but we are still all very close.
Thank you again for writing and taking the time to share your thoughts. I always enjoy hearing from you. Best wishes to you and your husband.