Ryan

This post is for my sweet brother, Ryan.

Today is his 16th birthday, and I believe that's a pretty big deal. It seems like it was only yesterday that he was 4 years old riding around in the basement on his little black bicycle with training wheels. It seems like it was only yesterday that he was calling me "Sissy" (how cute is that, by the way? I never told him to call me that, he just always has. And I love it.)

When I think about Ryan, there are 2 characteristics that instantly come to my mind.

1. His ultra-dark-chocolate eyes

AND





2. His heart of gold

Obviously there are many, many more wonderful qualities that come to mind - these two always stand out. Ever since Ryan was little, he was known among our family as having the "heart of gold." Why? Because it's 100% true. You just can't fake something that's that authentic. No matter how much teasing his big brother and big sister would give him, if asked, he would forgive us instantly. Never a hesitation. "Nice" would be a major understatement. And yet it's so true. Whenever I talk about Ryan and what he's like, I always find myself coming back to the fact that he's sincerely one of the nicest guys I know. You can tell that he cares about people so sincerely and never wishes to hurt anyone intentionally. Even when he's been hurt by someone. Believe me, I've watched him get hurt by people. And when I start getting defensive for him and turn into his over-protective sister and regrettably begin to throw accusations at the offending party, he always stops me. He puts himself in their shoes and gives me their perspective. WOW. Talk about a major humbling moment for his big sister who's 5 years older than him. And it's not something that just happens here and there, it's almost every time. He's taught me more about forgiveness and grace than he may ever realize.

As he's gotten older he's become more then an awesome brother. He's become a sincerely wonderful friend. He's got such a fun side to him that's passionate and wild and crazy. And then he's got the side of him that can be serious and calm and ready to listen to a friend in need. His maturity never ceases to amaze me.

And so, "Buddy" I just want to say that you are so loved and you make me so proud to call you my brother!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY RYAN!

I Love You

Beautiful

Driving over to the gym this afternoon, I saw something beautiful.  I had just gotten off of work and wasn't too eager to go work out, but I persuaded myself to just do it anyway - after all, I always feel better once I've done it. As I turned right at the stop sign and began driving up the street, I noticed something in my peripherals. On my left I saw four children on the sidewalk. Three boys and one girl. The oldest was a boy who looked about 13 years old. He was running, dribbling a basketball back and forth from one hand to another. Next to him was a younger boy who was pedaling hard on his bicycle, doing well to keep up with the oldest boy. And in the midst of the two competitive boys, there was a girl who looked just a few years younger than the oldest boy, pushing a red wagon with a boy who looked about three or four years old. I resolved in my head that they MUST be siblings. Yes, It's possible that they could just be close neighbor friends...but watching the dynamic between the four of them, I'm convinced they were siblings. I was coming up on a stop light, so I was able to slow down and watch them for a few more moments. They all were giggling and gasping for air. I couldn't keep from smiling ear-to-ear.

It was beautiful. As I watched I immediately began thinking, "Look! There's Robby practicing his dribbling, and there's Ryan riding on his bike like he always loved to. And there's me pushing Ethan in our little red wagon!" I couldn't get over how the ages seemed to match up perfectly with my three brothers and I.

I am so blessed. Thank you, Lord, for that perfectly simple, beautiful, moment that brought back so many precious memories. The four of us shared an incredible childhood together, that's for sure! Our imaginations could take us anywhere as long as we had each other and the great outdoors. God has given us something very special. I couldn't ask for better brothers than these three protectors of mine!

Robby, Ryan, and Ethan - you guys mean the world to me and I'm always thinking of you. I love you so much.

Good night.