I'm a terrible sister! It's not that I forgot his birthday, I just let life get in the way! I had every intention of writing a moving tribute before his birthday, but...
Most of you who read this blog know my brother personally. In fact, you've known him a long time. But some of you have never met him, so let me tell you about him.
JRR was born 13 months after me. Growing up, we were very close. By the time I left for college, we were the best of friends. We genuinely enjoyed being together! Soon after I got married, JRR got very sick. He was stricken with a debilitating disease that almost took his life. The next couple of years were difficult and strenuous, but he survived! In fact, at his wedding, he walked his high school sweetheart down the aisle - something very few people would have predicted he'd be able to do! He has an amazing amount of strength and faith in God.
He is a great husband. I don't know how his wife puts up with him sometimes, but those two really love each other! They have a beautiful marriage. JRR is also a wonderful dad to 2 hilarious boys and one very special girl. Parenting hasn't always been easy, but he and J desperately depend on the Lord and His plan for their family.
Besides politics, JRR loves history, music, Lord of the Rings, Braveheart, and Star Wars!
J and J had their kids a few years before I had mine. Kacole and I got to spend lots of time with L, H, and L when they were babies. So, when the time came for me to become a mom, we lived far from home. After the grandmothers had done their duty with me and headed back home, JRR took his vacation, stayed home with his preschool/toddler kids, and flew J up to Des Moines to be with me. He may think it was so we could catch up on girlfriend time. But it was so much more than that! She helped me figure out this new thing called motherhood. It was one of the greatest gifts I've ever received.
Now, I've made him sound like a saint! In everyday life, he's sarcastic, obnoxious, hilarious, and did I say OBNOXIOUS!? Spend anytime with JRR and there will be eye-rolling, hearty laughter, and thought-provoking discussion. I wouldn't change anything about him!!
5 comments:
Yeah, I've really only witnessed the obnoxious part. Like how he used to gripe about everything I ever got...for example "I didn't have a tv in my room when I was your age!" (You can pretty much replace tv with any other item on earth)
Let's face it JRR...mom and dad love me more and you just can't stand it. But don't worry because they don't love either of us as much as they love our sister!
Happy Birthday! I also suck as a sister since I didn't send you a card...sorry...not that I have ever seen a hand addressed card from you...but whatever! Happy Birthday!
Am I the only one in this family who can say anything NICE??
Yes
I'm a little verklempt...talk amongst yourselves...
Verklempt??? Is that a tribute to your German family line??
Isn't "encouragement" at the top of your spiritual gift list??
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