As I thought about writing this birthday post, I realized that my brother John and I have mutually endangered each others lives a lot.
Like when we were kids, running horses bareback through some hills, when suddenly mine started bucking and I hit the ground. I turned in time to see John’s horse, inspired, throwing him. Somehow, we were both fine–my finger, which I landed on, was two or three times its intended size for a year or two, but that was it. And then that time we were playing around–”shadow boxing”–which somehow ended in me having a black eye and a cut in my face that almost required stitches. And our bike accident of course. We were riding dirt bikes down a ranch road (mine had broken brakes). I was going pretty fast and crashed into John. He was OK but I was so terrified I had killed my little brother that I didn’t even notice my left knee was split wide open and spilling blood. I did get stitches on that one. A lot of stitches. Or the time I jumped on my sister’s horse without a bridle or saddle. I gave him oats and it was fine, but some friends of mine filmed it, and John saw the film and decided to try it himself one day. That time, he got a broken arm. Even though I was in a different country at the time, I felt responsible. Those are a few of our mishaps. Perhaps I should also mention that every time I get behind the wheel, John is sure we are going to die.
But I really don’t have more fun with anyone than this guy. I love hanging out with him, our talks, drives, and adventures. Whether I’m educating him in the finer points of Starbucks or he’s criticizing my gun safety when we shoot .22′s at the ranch, it’s rare for us not to have a blast. Even when our lives are in danger. And since yesterday he made it to 17, I guess we’re pretty lucky kids.
John is one of my best friends and I am so thankful for him. Many guys at this age are still boys, but in many ways John is a man. He is hardworking, kind, gentle, sympathetic, intelligent, and strong. He serves others and loves the Lord and I look up to him in lots of ways. Can’t wait for many more adventures in the future.
Happy birthday brother. I love you.
