Today is my baby brothers birthday. And although he will never read this, because he doesn't ever touch a computer, I feel compelled to say a little about him!
Derrick is three years younger than me. When we were little, he was my most frequent companion. Growing up in such a rural area, we didn't have many other options, but to play with each other. We spent hours playing in the dirt, climbing the rocks, and exploring by the creek. It's a miracle we never broke an ankle jumping from the roof of the shed, over and over again. Trying to reach the nearby tree, or to see who could go the farthest. He can still be goaded into an impromptu race around the house, or up the road on almost any given day.
Even when we were little, Derrick was my protector when I needed one. I'll never forget the time he attacked a snake in the field, because it scared me. In my memory, it was a BIG snake. I ran up the hill to the house, crying like..well a little girl (I'm not proud of it, but it's true.)He, at the tough old age of 4 or 5 stayed behind in that huge field to be sure that snake never scared me again.
And recently, when my beloved Bear died, Derrick gently and kindly took care of him for me. He protected me from as much of the pain as he could, in a way that perhaps only a brother can.
And sometimes, I protected him. Like, the time he skipped school with a friend and I went searching for him. I knew where he was, and I knew what he was doing. I knew that it was a bad combination of place and activity, so I went and got him.
We drifted away for a while after we both moved away from home. But in the past few years, we've been reconnecting. He's always up for some innocent ribbing, or a good political debate (which is amazing since we are always voting for the same person)
Now he's all grown up. He's married with 3 kids, and has an honest job that he enjoys. I have to say, I think he's a great Dad. It's probably the thing I'm most proud of him for. Although, the fact that he can fix my brakes for free, is a close second!
So Derrick, on your birthday, I'm saying to the blogging world that I love you. But, I can still give a serious noogie, so be careful!
Happy Birthday little brother!
4 comments:
I loved this post. It made me cry. I almost wrote one but I was afraid it would not come off right because of the age differnce. I missed a lot of the years that the two of you had together. Your tribute to him was perfect. I am sure Aunt Liz will tell Mom and Mom will tell Derrick.
Let's hope he doesn't read it.. I'll never hear the end of it :)
I'm sure Aunt Dottie has already copied and pasted it to Mom so you are done for.
awww..that was such a sweet post!
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