Graduation Congratulations

Hey Bud,

I apologize for the formality of a typed letter. I’m trying to be like Dad. No, the truth is that the latest technology has made advancements in a lot of areas of our society, but handwriting is not one of them. If I were printing, my hand would be so cramped up by now I’d be screaming so high only the dogs could hear it!

So, here we are on the day of your graduation. This milestone in your life causes me to reflect back to when you first came to us…left on the porch in a basket…oh wait, that was Noah’s story. Seriously, I remember when Mom found out she was pregnant with you. We had just moved from Joplin to Edmond and were staying in Memaw’s house until we found our own. I remember being ecstatic! Holly and I were best friends, but what little girl wouldn’t want her own live doll to play with. I remember, and I’m sure Mom still has the pictures, taking Mom’s picture every month as you grew bigger and bigger inside of her. I remember going to the doctor and hearing your heartbeat for the first time.

I remember being at friend’s, Dave and Marty, house for dinner the night before you were born. Mom was feeling a little “off” and Marty was certain that meant Mom would have you right away. But she was still 6 days away from her due date and brushed off the comment. Sure enough, you came early the next morning.

Holly and I were standing right outside the room when Mom gave birth and we heard Dad crying, “It’s a boy!” Me and Holly and Memaw started crying then, too.

When we brought you home, I couldn’t take my eyes off of you or leave you alone. You were so tiny and precious. And you were my brother.

All my friends were jealous that I could hold you and take care of you anytime. And take care of you we did! Holly and I logged so many hours of babysitting, we could have started a small business. But we never complained. HA!

As you got older and bigger and cuter and stronger and smarter, I loved you even more. You were our first. You were my baby brother.

I remember giving you baths and dressing you up to take pictures. I remember stealing all your pacifiers so that the family could see if we were as talented with our tongues as you seemed to be with yours.

I remember your first day of school. Like most events in your life, this one brought a day of not only one proud Mom and Dad but also two big sisters that were walking you into that classroom as well. Again, I think we all cried.

I could go on and on with all of the memories I have of you growing up.

At the time that you were a little kid and I was an incredibly mature adult, I never imagined what kind of relationship we would have as you got older. I hoped, of course, that we would be close. But I never dreamed that you would become so special to me, not just because you are my little brother, but because now you are my friend. This year has meant more to me then you will ever know.

I have seen you become an amazing individual. You have allowed God to develop you into a Godly man with strong character. I love who you have become: smart, talented, hilariously funny (my opinion, not necessarily held by others in the family…just kidding), sensitive, kind, gentle and a man of integrity. There is nothing about you that could be different that would make me more proud of you then I am right now.

I don’t think many people get a chance to grow up in a family as amazing as ours. In fact, I know they don’t. God has been so good to us, to allow us to have such close relationships with each other. I know many people that never talk to their siblings and would never choose to hang out with them. I am so happy that is not us, we have to make sure we work to keep it that way.

I always call you guys, “my kids” and even when I’m talking with Mom and Dad I’ll refer to you as “our kids”, as if I’m one of the parents. I guess in a way I have that feeling towards you, that ownership. I’ve been taking care of you your whole life and I’ll always have that tendency to protect you…you’re mine, my little brother.
So, on this day of your graduation, I don’t have any profound words to say…I say those enough on an every day basis anyway. Instead, I want you to know how much I love you, how much you are treasured and valued, how important you are in my life, how proud I am of you, and how truly blessed I am when I get to say “he’s MY brother”.

I love you Bud. Congratulations,