- I like to live in a clean environment, Jay doesn't care if it's clean or not.
- I like to sleep in comfortable clothes, Jay likes to be dressed in case of an emergency.
- I like to indulge myself in grown up things (like HGTV, shopping, movies), Jay likes to continue his more child-like hobbies (like video games, cartoons, toys)
- I like to plan things (well in advanced), Jay likes to fly by the seat of his pants
- I live mostly in the present, Jay likes to reminisce about friends and events in the past.
- I like to play soothing, beautiful music on the piano (contemporary or classical), Jay likes to play loud banging music on the piano. (mostly video game inspired)
- I don't really like to try new foods, Jay will find the most bizarre thing on the menu and eat it. (i.e. alligator, frog legs, sushi, exotic foods)
- I like to sit on my butt and relax, Jay has a new obsession with running as his relaxation.
- I can doodle and copy pictures, Jay is a phenomenal artist.
As you can see, our taste differs in almost everything. Needless to say, there are many memories that I have the don't include me liking my brother. Whether I thought he was mean to me, or I thought he was a nerd, or I thought he was just plain disgusting. Isn't this normal for any sister?!
When Jay finally moved out of the house and I wasn't forced to share anything with him, I started to realize that he wasn't THAT bad (this didn't mean he was cleared of all wrongs and weirdness, but some were erased.) I began to read his writings and seeing his talent in writing and drawing. I realized that he was brilliant (he just didn't apply himself all of the time!) Then he became a father. All 3 of his children are beautiful! They are smart and precious. Then, after life didn't necessarily give him the best cards, he became a single father. If you could only see how his girls love him and talk to him when they are with him. He is an amazing father. It is a wonderful thing to be an aunt, especially to his wonderful children. (I just hope one day they will be close to me so my kids can grow up with his kids. I was blessed to have cousins that were close by growing up that I loved getting to spend time with.) He is successful. He is loved at his office and evident that he is good at what he does. He has always been able to do anything he set out to do, as long as he applied himself.
And this is what my brother did for me this week:
I got a mysterious phone call from some man saying he left a gift on my porch since I wasn't home. I had just left, so I completely forgot about it. Later, Jay called me to discuss plans for our summer trip with his kids, and as we were getting off the phone he asked "So did my stuff get there today?" I was a little perplexed, but I remembered the previous phone call. I went out to check, and there I saw the basket. I asked him why he sent me flowers, and he just responded that he thought I needed some. We got off the phone, and I picked up the little card that came with it. And here's what I read:
"One day (soon) you and Brad will be a fabulous mother and father to a beautiful child/children1 Never give up hope. Know that we all support you, and you live a truly blessed life. Love Jay, Rae, Mia, and Elliot"
I don't think I have to say much more. He brought (good) tears to my eyes.
Thanks for being my brother, Jay, and knowing just what to say to make the situation a little bit better. I know that God has a very special lady waiting for you that will bless your life and compliment all of your idiosyncrasies and will love you and your family like you so deserve. I love you!
*Jay, notice your hair in this picture - it looks so nice. I can get past the goatee, but this hair looks really nice. :)
