My Brother

Today is my brother's 44th birthday. (Sorry, Brother, but it's true.) For this special occasion, I thought I'd write about just how awesome he is.

My brother is a loving person. He protected me all my life, from my parents, from my sister, from having to be alone. He tolerated my request to join him while my Momma drove him and his date to his Homecoming dance in high school, and didn't kill me later. He calls me to check in.

My brother cares about the world around him. He is violently attached to his wife, whom I adore, and his son, whom I intend to leave everything to. The work he does requires that he must sacrifice his family obligations to protect others. 'Protecting others' includes saving family pets. When there's a natural disaster on the western side of the country, my brother is coordinating the efforts to save you, your posessions and property, and your pets.

My brother is a veteran. He worked for this country. He followed orders he may not have agreed with (I don't know), and he did it with honor and integrity. Even now, he is a clear patriot and an amazing man. He did this work without pride, because that's what you're supposed to do.

I love my brother very much, and I want to wish him a fabulous day. I wish that I could tell him how happy I am that he's my brother, and what an amazing man he really is.

I love you, Brother!