My oldest brother Perry used to tell a story of my birth:
It was a dark and stormy night in September. The five of us sat at our kitchen table when a knock at the back door startled us. Mom answered it. She found no one, but a box sat on our porch with a baby girl inside it. She brought the baby-in-box inside and we voted 3-2 to keep her, vowing never to tell who voted what.
49 years later, I am spending a couple days of our vacation in Ohio with my sister and brothers, celebrating my niece Sarah's high school graduation. As we sit and tell stories and laugh and then sit and tell stories and laugh some more, I am grateful.
Grateful for:
Karen's laughter and the way she envelopes anyone around her in acceptance. The grace she lives and models for me. And that moment, 19 years ago, when she embraced me after our mother's death and told me, "Rob, we're in this together and we have each other."
Phil's easy friendship and the way he greets everyone like he's their best friend. The perspective Phil offers me, always pointing me to Jesus. And that moment, 26 years ago, when he looked at me with anger and love and told me the truth. "Robbie, it's time for you to grow up."
Perry's humor and leadership that always cracks me up and guides me, sometimes at the same time. The wisdom he offers freely anytime I ask. And that moment, 5 years ago, when he gave me words of confidence that meant more than he knew. "Robbie, you can really write."
That dark and stormy night may have been a story made up by a teasing older brother, but today I am grateful for the vote 3-2. I got to join this family and grow up with three people I truly love and respect.
I am blessed!
Have a sybling? Give 'em a call. :0)
2 comments:
Have never met the brothers but can testify to your words about Karen, she's a hoot!
Ralph, I miss you and I've asked about you a couple times while being here. Totally understand your absence, but know that you are missed!! :0)
Post a Comment