A Birthday Tribute To A Special Man

Thirty seven years ago today (wow dude - you're old!) my sweet brother came into my life. At the time, I wasn't sure if I appreciated him - I was ten years old when he was born. I remember my mother brought him home in a giant Christmas stocking. I think my brother still has it (?) Every Christmas thereafter, my mother would hang this stocking on the fireplace mantle and fill it with gifts for him. As a young girl I remember being slightly jealous of the fact that his stocking held more presents than mine was able to. :)

Growing up with him, I wish I could tell you that I was a good "big sister" - but I wasn't. Back then - I resented his intrusion in my life. Our mother was a single mom for most of our growing up years, and she had to work constantly to make ends meet. This was back in the days when your mother would always tell you to "go find something to do or I will find something for you to do!" Wherever I went, I always had to take my baby brother with me. As a result, he was always the brunt of my frustrations. My poor brother was pushed into many an ant pile - I am sorry to say!

Needless to say though, if anyone else would happen to pick on him, I would jump to his defense. He was - after all - my sweet baby brother!

Over all of these years I never heard my brother complain once about the injustices done to him by his older sister. I used to hold him down and pound on his chest until he would tell me what my presents were that mom had bought me, I would climb up into the loft in our garage and laugh at him when he called for me. Whatever I did to him - he always seemed to forgive me and (I am not sure why ) always looked up to me.

I left home at an early age. Earlier than I should have -I was only sixteen years old. My mom told me years ago that my brother would stand at the screen door back then, and wait for me - wait for me to come home.

My brother and I reminisce about our childhood, and the things that we had to go through as a family. I am not proud of the person I was back then, but I truly believe that God used that time to help me learn and mold me into the person I am today.

We lost our beloved mother to Lupus about four years ago. My brother and I have always been close, but I think that we have become closer since our mother passed away. It is only the two of us now.

My brother is such a wonderful man. He is a beautiful husband and father. He didn't have the best role models in his life, but despite it all - he has grown to be the kindest, most loving man that I know.

When he was growing up, I took care of him. As the years have gone by, he has taken care of me. He has come to my rescue many times in my life. Digging me out and helping me on my feet again.

My brother was such a big help to me when I prepared for the move to Georgia. Even though he really didn't want me to go - he still helped me by taking truck load after truck load to the dump, refinished my hardwood floors, (he is a hardwood floor man by trade) ripped out my carpeting so that we could put new carpets in our rental, helped us to get the best deal for those carpets. He is truly amazing!

He is such a hardworker - even though his health isn't the greatest. He is almost in constant pain due to some of the autoimmune disorders that he has inherited from our mother. He always puts others first in his life even when he is hurting.

I stand in awe of the beautiful man that you are - my dear brother. You have taught me so much by your gentle example.

I miss you more than I can say! I hope that your day is easy and that you are able to take some time to enjoy it. Even though I harass and tease you - I hope you always know how much you mean to me.

Happy, Happy Birthday Little Brother - I love you!

Kymber