Another Brother Birthday

While I have a couple more vacation reflections, I just had to take today to wish my brother a Happy Birthday! So, there it is -- Happy Birthday Edward or as I like to call him Ed-weird-o! This time around it's my older brother, actually my oldest sibling. He is 8 years old than I and today my mind swarms with memories that involve him.

The first is when I was in grade school and for some reason he walked home with me and Shiela. He went to junior high downtown at Lincoln and he walked over to our grade school and then home with us. Not sure why but I do remember feeling like I was queen of the world. I had a big brother escorting me home and none of my friends did. And we laughed all the way home because we thought he was hilarious.

The second is the time he and Carolyn came to North Carolina for Thanksgiving. He said it was because he lost in drawing straws but I know better. He liked me. What a fun, fun 5 days we had! Too long to post here but the highlights were the beach on Thanksgiving Day where we watched dolphins swimming several hundred yards out and the deep sea fishing trip he and Steve took. Actually, deep sea hurling is a more accurate description.

Finally, when dad died almost 2 years ago, Edward swung into protective mode. Both of mom and of us. Don't get me wrong, I felt the need to go there too but it was different for him. The day we were to meet at the funeral home he called every single one of us to make sure we were okay. No, we weren't "okay" and he knew that but he wanted to make sure we were surviving. No doubt he was hurting tremendously too but he felt the need and responsibility to pick up the patriarchal role. And the next few days he was the ring leader as we formed a circle of protection around our momma.

So, today I say not only Happy Birthday but also thanks to my big brother. I love you man!

Picture note: I don't really remember sharing birthday celebrations but obviously that year we did. Craig must have been a baby as he is missing from the photo.