Day 4 - To Your Sibling

I have a brother
we share a mother
he loves like no other
'cause he's my big brother

LOL!!! Now that that's out of the way, let me be serious.

Poose,

How do you express how much someone means to you? I mean, neither of us are "mushy" people. We don't dwell on feelings/emotions. We live for facts and reality. So that could make it a little difficult to complete this assignment...but I was told to go below the surface stuff. So here goes.

Since the day I made my entrance into this world, you were my protector. That role usually interfered when I wanted to hang out with you and your friends (mostly in Freeport). I remember one of the many church picnics on the beach where you and your friends were out having the time of your lives in the pretty blue ocean. I couldn't have been more than 4, but I was determined to swim with the big kids that day. So I doggy-paddle my way out towards you, but those pesky waves got in my way. Next thing I know I'm under the water. *sigh* See, I just wanted to be cool like you guys...didn't matter if I was gonna lose my life in the process (that was a LONG time ago. I've wised up a bit! LOL).

For a long time I didn't think you liked me. You were always beating me up and making me do crazy stuff. It was my firm belief that you were punishing me for being born. Okay...maybe not "firm"...but there were times I felt that way. But then there were other times when I knew you loved me. You remember those summer/spring days when we'd go outside and play basketball?? You never took it easy on me. Once, you blocked my shot so hard that the ball sailed through the air, over the front yard, and into the gutter on the side of the road. You were laughing so hard as I took the walk of shame to retrieve it. LOL! But those experiences helped me to be the tough-skinned person that I am today (and an amazing ball player!!!).

Of course there were some bad times. I watched you live your life and make a lot of silly decisions. Some of those caused you to be away from me. The first time you left (when you went to BMA), I felt so alone. I mean, yeah...Mommy was there, but you were gone. For years you were the man in the house, so when you left I kinda felt the way I did after Daddy's funeral. But that was a great move for you to make. You buckled down and got your work done and I was so proud of you. Then you left me again for Oakwood! That was the first time you ever hugged me and it was the craziest thing. I was in shock...had no idea how to respond.

Now you're off doing what you need to do and I couldn't be more happy for you. Through all of your ups and downs, you've emerged a completely changed man. You've calmed down and you're focused on your goal. My heart overflows with pride and love for you. As always, I pray that you'll let the Lord come in and truly change you...from the inside out....because my dream is that I'll spend an eternity with you, Daddy, and Mommy. But, even if you don't, I will never stop loving or praying for you. Thank you for all that you've done for me over the past 21 years and I hope you know that I will ALWAYS have your back.

Love