To My Brother on his Birthday

Shane and I are four years, one month, and one day apart,

(I'm older)

although at our current ages people either 

a. think we are twins

b. think he is my older brother

or 

c. think I am his girlfriend

When I was home this past month,

we busted out the home movies to show Stephen how adorable we were,

and I mean, who doesn't like watching other peoples home movies?

(everyone).

We watched footage of when Shane was in my mom's belly,

and then when he was only a couple weeks old,

and again when he was around a year.

In most of the footage Shane is just staring at me,

completely content with my four year old self holding him,

making faces at him,

flinging his head around

(I mean seriously someone should of told me stop instead of filming...)

and feeding him.

He loved me.

And I sorta wanted to drop kick him.

Like most sibling relationships,

we had some rivalry.

Which he will say was all my fault.

And he would be correct.

It's pretty obvious now that Shane and I are very close.

We are best friends.

We get each other.

We know each others lives better than anyone.

We know what the other has been through,

what they had to endure.

We have seen the same darkness,

and same light.

We have shared in each others triumphs

and failures.

We support each other,

love each other,

and show each other respect and compassion.

I am so lucky to have him as a little brother.

He is one of the most selfless and giving people I have ever known.

I can't imagine a better person to walk me down the aisle...

to hold that honor.

Happy Birthday Little Brother,

I promise next year I will be home to celebrate.

photo by ozvisuals in 2010