Why is my brother special to me?
Because when I was little and neither of us went to school, he was a ready playmate.
Because he taught me how to build forts, and tried his best to teach me to shoot a bow and arrow (which I never learned... I was better at playing the victim - like the time he shot me with an arrow that had a metal screw on the tip! ouch! ...now was that good aim, or bad aim?).
Because when we were in junior high and were both home doing school, he would spend our entire lunch break arguing with me over the kitchen table. (I value that a lot more now than I did then.) If I ever show extreme stubbornnes, I think it's fair to blame it on him.
Because when he was a skater-dude, I thought he was the coolest guy in the world. Including his long hair. (Although I was a bit jealous that his hair was blonder than mine, I was all natural - he used peroxide. Cheater!)
Because his laughter was so contagious, especially when he spit out his milk from laughing so hard.
Because when we were in the youth group together, he showed me what it means to be a leader and true spiritual friend. If ever somehow I show extreme boldness, I know it'll be partly because of his role modeling.
Because when he was in college and I would go to hear him preach, I was always amazed and learned something from God speaking through him.
Because when we were in college together, he faithfully gave up one night a week to eat with me and listen to my freshman-level drama! He also lent me lots of books, and advice on classes and profs that he'd already had. *If I happened to get good grades in certain classes with certain profs, it might be because I had my brother's last name...
Because he pulled some pretty sweet pranks and I got to brag about him to my friends... or sometimes, it was my friends who told me about the mischief my brother was in!
Because any time I went to him for advice about making a major decision, he refused to tell me what to do with my life. Frustrating as it was to me, it was good for me. He helped me understand I have to make my own decisions, regardless of others' opinions.
Because he picked for a girlfriend and (eventually) wife, one of the sweetest women I've ever met who subsequently became one of the best friends I've ever known.
Because (despite earlier mentioned shooting episode), he has been hugely influential in my belief and growth in nonviolence.
Because he is someone who always, even from a young age, does things whole-heartedly. And when he makes mistakes, he's not afraid to admit it and learn from it. And when he wrongs a brother or sister, he's quick to seek reconciliation. He taught me how to apologize and seek forgiveness... which is often very humbling, but such an essential skill.
Because he has an amazing talent for thinking waaaaay up there in the clouds, understanding and grasping things, and bringing them down to earth for the rest of us. I know he has great potential as a teacher, and I envy every student who ever takes a class from him.
Because he has good taste in clothes, coffee and company. Yup, he's pretty cool.
Happy 26th, Thomas Joseph Bridges!!! I love you.
1 comment:
Thanks! I love you too!
This is a very meaningful birthday card - the most unique one I have ever gotten. I feel deeply moved, and deeply humbled that I have influenced you. I am so proud of what you are doing with your life right now, and feel honored to have helped make this life of Julia possible, but you have surpassed me in this whole nonviolence thing. Thanks for putting me to shame!
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