The Thing About Big Brothers

It isn't that I feel sorry for those that don't know what it's like to have a big brother. After all, there are at least a handful of times that I am sure I spent time wishing I didn't have one myself. But those times were few and far between because well, I have one hell of a kick ass big brother.

Growing up, Rick and I were inseparable. We did everything together. Kind of like Pinky and the Brain, but way way cooler and less rat-like. Sure he did his fair share of annoying big brother stuff like stealing my Blow-Pop and instead of just licking it, chewing it so he couldn't give it back and then repeatedly blowing bubbles in my face. He would tease me endlessly about my unending love for animals. All pretty harmless stuff and somehow he would always manage to find a way to make it up to me.




I really can't tell you how much I love Rick. Some of my happiest memories are of times spent laughing until my stomach hurt and I was running to the bathroom. Making up random songs while playing in the woods at our grandparents house. Spending hours upon hours talking until he was sound asleep on my bedroom floor. We even had a deal while I was in high school. I had to make his lunch for work every night and he would drive me to school so I didn't have to take the bus even though that meant he had to get out of bed 30 minutes earlier. If you know Rick, you know this is something that doesn't happen often. If ever. He doesn't just come out and say it, but it's the little things he does that lets you know he loves you and supports you.




It is a little frustrating for me to not be able to say it exactly how I want to. He is truly an amazing person and an even more amazing brother. He is there whenever I need him. He loves me even when I am being completely irrational. He takes care of me any way he can even if it means telling me things no one else will. He doesn't hug much, but when he does it is filled with intent and love and usually me gasping for air. None of that tap tap tap on the back crap.

Things haven't always been easy for him either but he works hard and doesn't rely on excuses. I am so proud of the man that he has become and I am so blessed to call him my brother.

I honestly believe that if more people had brothers like Rick, this world would be a much better place.

Happy birthday, Rick.

I love you.