My brother, Chris.

Chris is one of the most admirable people I have ever known if not THE most admirable person I know. He is not only my brother but my best friend and role model whom I look up to. I have sought advice from him so much through out our lives. He’s a good listener but can play it tough and shut me up in an instant. He makes me think and want to learn and be a better person. He has helped me extend my mind beyond the blocks I have created around it. He is sturdy and stubborn. He knows who he is and what he believes in and won’t waffle for a second. He is strong, courteous and courageous. I have watched him become a man of good character which is something most guys these days would beg to have but would fall short of in a rat race. He is honest, peaceful and good hearted. Piece of advice though... I wouldn’t punch his buttons if I were you! I have been notorious for being his biggest button pusher. Sure... I’ve known him his whole life... I definitely feel like I would be the expert of knowing what his buttons are and am a definite pro at hitting them on the head. However, if anyone else were to push his buttons or push anything about him I feel I might have to do a little bit more than push theirs... That means total inhalation of your brain if you say one ugly thing, or lay your pitiful hand on him! See the thing is... I can pick on my brother and its sort of okay... I mean really it shouldn’t be okay at all for me to pick on him but back in the day I made it okay. Here’s the rest of the unwritten rule of sibs... If someone else were to come along and mess with him, man, I don’t care who you are... I don’t care if your big, little, smart, stupid, the kid next door, Terrel Owens, The queen of england, the pope or whoever! I will literally kick your asssssssk me how hard! I’m not even joking so don’t for a second think that i’m joking. I have a few references I could give you if you think I wouldn’t have the guts nor the strength. Now back to being proud of my brother. He has done things I don’t know that I could have ever done or accomplished. He has made sacrifices and has had the will power and determination I feel I lack. My brother is the best of me times 100 and he could beat me out of a comedic battle if put to the challenge. He could out wit and out think me in any scenario. But don’t dare expect any such display in public. He is both modest and humble both very honorable things. Not to mention he is full of raw talent and has the capacity to learn things very quickly and with ease. He is the determined sort. When he puts his mind to something there is nothing stopping him. Me on the other hand have a need for lots of pushes and shoves and basically need someone to hold my hand constantly. My brother is very intellectual. I tell him constantly I don’t know what I’d do without him and that is the truth! I am not the most intelligent being especially in regards to facts. I am definitely on ‘a need to know basis’ type person and he is a ‘know everything on the face of the earth and its existence’ type person. All that to say he is super smart and when I have a question about anything especially in regards to history, politics or the Bible he is my go to man. I don’t want to put him on the spot with a bunch of people... He doesn’t know everything but he sure knows a lot more than I do and I would say he’s a genius in his own right. We have definitely had our ups and downs, misunderstandings, disagreements in life and don’t always see eye to eye on different subjects but usually its things that are so petty to the big picture they don’t even come close to matter. We have had our issues and have actually fought on rare occasions but nothing has changed our friendship. I’ve been gone awhile... And it hurts to be so far away and distant. Yes there is a reconnecting point that is hard to reach but our history is so deeply rooted. That’s where we start. Our roots... Only way to grow from the roots is up. I am so glad to have a brother who cares about me, who loves me and wants the best for me. We’ve all gone through a lot in our family. We’ve all had very hard times both collectively and personally. I’ve watched my brother through every circumstance and he has always shown himself to be noble. Though its been hard for him at times he has always made it through troubles, disappointments, sad times and heartaches. I couldn’t be more proud of who he is. Of course I’m so proud of what he’s accomplished with his life thus far and I can’t wait to see what is in store for him to come. But its not the physical accomplishments I’m truly proud of... Its not his edu, his job or his busy schedule I find myself being proud of though I am proud of those things. Its his heart. Its him. I’m just proud of him. And the only reason I need to be proud of him is because he is my brother. I am proud of my brother not because of what he does. I am proud of him because who he is! Chris, I know most people who read this may not understand what i’m trying to convey but I want you to know I am proud of you. I’m proud to be known as Chris’ sister. I’m proud that you are who you are. I’m glad you follow Christ. I’m glad you know who you are. I’m glad you’ve come so far... But putting all things aside... I am just so stinking proud of you! I love you! You Are the BEST! Triumph!