It Couldn't Happen to a Nicer Fella

This past weekend saw my brother turn 40! I know I am not far behind, but I am glad he went first. My sister is happier than a pig in shit the she is the youngest but my brother can still keep her in place with a well placed Charlie horse.

My brave sister-in-law opened her home to 60+ people (and a dog) for a surprise birthday party. She also undertook the task of feeding them all. I nearly fall apart with 12 people over for dinner and would surely develop carpal tunnel syndrome if I had to pipe salmon mousse into tartlet shells for 60. Oh my.

No one went hungry or was without libations of one sort or the other. There were lots of laughs and even a few tears. Amazingly there were none from our own resident waterworks department, my sister. Most of them flowed when my brother was given his ‘big’ gift. He is fascinated with WWII and the allied invasion of Europe. So this fall, my brother, father, nephew and uncle are taking a 10 day tour of England, Belgium and France.

I was disappointed not to be asked to join the merry troupe, but I guess space was limited. The other brother-in-law was asked (and he declined). I am not saying, I am just saying.

As I went to sign his card, I found I didn’t have enough space to say ‘thanks’ for all my brother had done for me in the 37 years I have known him. His name alone saved me from several butt kickins’ in high school. He occasionally let me beat him in a fight - those days are long gone. He had me in his wedding party – I still insist I did not cry, it was hot in the church and I was sweating. He (not alone of course) has given me the BEST niece and nephew ever. With the help of my sister, he shamed me into learning how to drive standard. He introduced me to the gym (much to the chagrin of my mother as I proceeded to consume any and all chicken, tuna or eggs that came into the house). Lending me Betty – may she rest in pieces. And as he is a master story teller, has given me more laughs and giggles than I can possibly remember.

From the bottom of my heart, “Thank you” Mark for being a great brother, person, role model and friend. I look forward to another 40 years of equally fond memories.