my brother

Based on last night's horrific display of football, its a good thing I got an email beforehand that had me overflowing with pride.

If you had told me 10 years ago that I'd have the relationships with my brothers that I have today, I'd have laughed in your face. In fact, the only way I would have believed it would have been if they were reversed...my relationship with Brian would be like mine with Brandon, and vice versa. But - it is what it is, and I'm so blessed and thankful for the relationship that Brian and I have built. I miss him terribly, and hate that he lives so far away, but when I get the occasional email from him, see new pictures, or see things like this - I don't feel like its been over a year since I've seen him.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B_C4M5rEVX4

Yep - thats my brother! I am so proud!!!

And, since I'm apparently writing an ode to him, I have to mention how blown away I was at his thoughtfulness and selflessness recently. A few months ago he had told me that he and his girlfriend Hillary would be flying down sometime around Dec 12 for my wedding, which is the 15th. He has a free 2 week stay and free airplane ticket to Houston that he got when he reenlisted in the Army, and he wanted to be home for Christmas which is why he chose the 12. I said "Oh, darn, I was hoping Hillary would be in town on the 8th because Alexis is throwing a shower or bachelorette party or something. But I totally understand wanting to be home for Christmas, and I'll be excited to see y'all whenever you come" It was never mentioned again, but then 2 weeks ago he called me to make sure it was the 8th that I wanted hillary there, because he was buying plane tickets and wanted to make sure that neither of them missed any aspect of my wedding that I wanted them to be at. I said "Oh Brian you don't have to sacrifice your Christmas at home for Hillary to be there, its ok" and he said "no, we are coming down for YOUR WEDDING, not for MY holidays, so we're going to be at everything you want us to be at" I was just taken aback...I know my brother is a thoughtful person, I just couldnt believe that he valued my wedding shower over spending Christmas with his family - especially since he hasn't in 4 years.

So - thats my Brian. as many times as i've wanted to wring his neck in my life for being a pest, a nuissance, too silly, or irritating - he is one of the greatest blessings in my life and I can't wait for him to walk me down the aisle in 2.5 months!