Happy Birthday Big Brother!

Mom, James, Me & Dad

I have the best brother ever who turns another year older today. October 29, 1959 (almost 4 years before my appearance on this terrestrial ball) a dark headed, widow peaked little boy was born. I have seen pictures and know that this kid looks much like his dad (my father).

James and I have had some incredibly great times together. We grew up playing ball in the back yard (any kind of ball, it really didn't matter); he frequently beat on his little brother (I have the scars to prove it); and we shared a bedroom as little kids where he would say scary things to me and pretty much freak me out. He taught me how to throw a ball; hit a golf ball; kick a soccer ball and how to mow a yard. We shucked much corn together; broke many a green bean; traipsed through all kinds of woods hunting squirrel and rabbit; and fished every little creek, pond, lake, and puddle in Cass County. Oh, so many good times and memories.

We grew, he moved out of the house, and I did not see him as often, but I continued to look up to him. There were times that we went months without seeing or talking to one another, but I knew we were still close. We got together and took my dad on a baseball trip to Chicago and St. Louis and out ran rain storms, drug dealers and saw some good baseball and tried to break dad's ankle. We got together when we could and it was always good to catch up.

A few years back, mom got sick and we just knew that we needed to be together more. It was one of the toughest times because mom was so sick, but it was an incredibly sweet time because I got to spend a lot more time with James. In a time that I needed a big brother the most, James was there and he carried me a couple of times when I really did not know how to move forward on my own. It is what he does. He steps in and helps many when they need his strength.

He turns 54 today. I am incredibly proud and thankful to be his little brother. He has taught me much. Two

and half years ago, James and I made a trip up to Alaska to just hang out together. We watched alot of NCAA basketball; saw a lot of snow; but most importantly, I just got to hang out with my big brother.

I love you James. You are an incredible picture of a man loving Christ and loving others. You are incredibly giving and forgiving. You continue to model for me what it means to "love well, because you have been loved well."

Don't look to hard for that birthday card. I forgot to send it. See you at Thanksgiving. I'll hug your neck then.