Happy Birthday to my brother Gene! He’s one of my favorite people in the whole world. We were both born on the 26th, him in July and me in November, ten years apart. Since we’re ten years apart we skipped over the bickering stage that most siblings go through. As I got older and we got closer he just became this wise voice that gave the best advice. Case in point, when we went rock climbing on the side of a mountain I got really scared. He talked me through each turn and didn’t even make fun of me when I was hyperventilating and crying like a little baby. Also, he’s really funny and not just chuckle to be polite funny. He’s definitely my favorite person to people watch with because the commentary is so hysterical. Every time he gets a year older it’s a reminder that my birthday is exactly five months away. This next one coming up (21!) is my last milestone birthday before…50! Last year was a big one for us because it was my last as a teenager (hallelujah) and his last year in his twenties.
With Gene in 2008 when I visited them in their new house for the first time. That was an amazing summer. It was before I had even started college. I was 18 at the time and had just discovered sun-in which is why my hair is orange. Also, I never liked the shape of that dress. It made me feel like a parachute but it was Florida Gator colors so I rocked it for every game. I have since given it away.
This photo encompasses everything I love about going to visit my family in Kentucky. Their house is exactly what makes me understand the saying, “Home is where the heart is.” My nephew is Dexter on the right and Oliver the blonde is his little cousin. This was before my niece Maura was born.
I know we always promise we will call more often but starting NOW we are going to go back to our Sunday phone call tradition. I can’t wait until I turn 21 and we rock Las Vegas together because there is no one else I would rather teach me to gamble. I can’t wait until I get to buy you a drink.
xx
Your Sister
