We shared the same room for our entire growing-up years. We shared our thoughts and dreams, and sometimes at night, we would talk about ‘things.’ Church, school, family, girls, and our love of sports, particularly baseball. Together, we shared our highs and lows as we came of age, a natural experience for all young men.

There are many ways to define what a brother is to the world. But when a “brother is a true brother,” he is there for you. He supports you, he glories in your successes, and he comforts you when you fall. He builds you up and doesn’t look for things in you that you lack. He looks at your good attributes and is happy you have some. He has your back, and you know you can trust him. You can count on him to never talk behind your back, nor does he divulge the private thoughts you share. And most of all, he is an example of manhood that makes you proud to call him your older ‘brother.’

I have a man like that as a brother! A man of character who stands up for the right and doesn’t let the world define him. It’s his birthday today, and I really can’t write enough accolades to describe him. What I can write is that I’m grateful I was born only eighteen months later than he, so that I could grow up in his shadow that was filled with sunlight. Thank you- Happy Birthday, brother!