Lucky me.

Yesterday, Saint Patrick’s Day, was my brother’s birthday.
In fact, he is my only sibling.

We were “normal” siblings… we DID NOT get along.
We fought constantly.
Our parents even staged a fake fight between them
in an attempt to illustrate how awful our fighting was.
Their point was well taken…
for a minute.

Things changed after I moved out.
Relationships that were taken for granted, we missed.
Reassurances that someone had my back when it matter most were absent.
The realization of how important my brother was to me was immense.

He is now, one of a few most important men in my life.
He is one of my best friends.
He has blessed me with a sister and a handful of nieces and nephews
and I love all of them beyond measure.

I cherish being a witness to the love he has for uncle-hood.
My daughters also have a deep love for him.
He truly is a great blessing to all of us.

My dear brother…
I hope you had a fabulous birthday.
I am so lucky to have you.