I know a man who...

I know a man who has lived a life of incredible service to others in everything he does.

I know a man who shows me an astounding example of what it is like to be an attentive father to his kids. 

I know a man who cherishes his life as a husband to his wife and the safe space they have created over 40 years together. 
I know a man who is giddy with excitement at the mere mention of his grandsons. 

I know a man who loves Disney as much as I do.

I know a man who has overcome so much in his life and has provided to those around him so that they didn't have to grow up the way he did. 

I know a man who watched out for me from afar when I was a young child. 

I know a man who, when I was a young adult, took me in with his own young family and tried to mentor me in the ways of the world (but I knew everything there was to know in my twenties--ha!--and although I heard him and apply it now, it took me a couple of decades to get there). 

I know a man who taught me that when I am without a job, it is my job to find a job--this lesson has made it it possible for me to flourish in difficult career moments.  

I know a man who taught me the importance of having adventures and fun times on my days off, instead of letting the world slip by without me participating in it.  This is how I was able to define the second act of my life: as living and not existing.  It wouldn't have happened without his guidance.

This man is my brother.  I am so proud to have him in my life.  There is no other way to say it, really. My brother has been someone I have always watched, sometimes through many miles apart for whatever reason was happening, have a life I aspired to.  We came from the same difficult childhood and found ways to thrive through adversity.  And life has thrown us adversity.  He has always been a bright star for me to follow.  

When we are young, we don't really notice the things that will take on meaning in our lives, as we live it and trudge through the trenches.  It isn't without hindsight that we see things that have shaped us.  He has shaped me in a million and one different ways-in a lot of the positive ways I have been fortunate to steer my days forward.  I am happy that in our adult lives, we can spend time together and laugh and lean on each other.  Knowing he is a phone call away and sometimes closer is salve for my soul.    

I was just reflecting today about how fortunate I am to have this man in my life and in the lives of my children.  

I love you, big brother!