Baby Brother

Tonight, a post for my brother. On March 16, 1986 he arrived in the world, smack dab in between the Ides of March and St. Patrick's Day. And, most importantly, on the 4th birthday of his beloved older sister (speaking). I wasn't quite sure what to think that Sunday morning. I had, after all, been praying for a baby sister (seeing as that I was the only child in the family without a younger sister, it seemed both fair and fitting). But Mikah is who he is (so glad for it) and he came when he came. Thus, he is and forever will be my birthday twin.

As the third child in a family of four, you learn pretty early on that there isn't too much in life that belongs solely to you. For me, birthdays became no exception...joint birthday parties, matching themed birthday cakes, and having to take turns with the red "you are special today" birthday plate all became par for the course. And for some period, I resented having to share one more thing in my life. At some point, I think in high school, the resentment turned to indifference. And then it shifted forever...

I will never forget my first birthday away from home - freshman year of college. My bro, then a 9th grader, called me three times before 7 a.m. on our birthday, repeatedly stating how it was just so wrong to not be together on our shared day. In the nearly 10 (!) years since, I think we've only actually been together one year on our birthdays, and now, now what I would give to go back to the shared parties in different rooms of the house and opening early morning birthday presents together, bleary eyed at the kitchen table. Like so many things involving my beloved siblings, I didn't realize how amazing they were or how fortunate I am to have them in my life until we were living in different states, and now I so frequently find myself wishing (longing, even...) to be closer and see them all on a more regular basis.

So tonight, I raise a virtual glass to my baby bro. He's singing his heart out and charming the masses in Montreal, and I couldn't be more proud or more glad to share my birthday with such a stellar human being. Love you, bro. You are special today!