Happy Birthday, Brother : Personal

I hate him.

No, you don't.

No. Really Dad. I HATE him.

I don't remember a lot from my childhood, but I do remember how much my brother and I fought. And I remember this specific conversation with my Dad.

I guess it all makes sense. My brother and I are as different as night and day. These differences are apparent from the moment you meet us - my brother strongly resembles our mother's side of the family; I look just like my dad - but they run much deeper than our physical appearances.

I'm the serious one; he's the fun one. I'm practical; he's a dreamer. I love rules and structure; he loves to bend, and sometimes break the rules. I am always planning and thinking of what's next; he lives for the moment.



I don't know exactly when it happened, but I think it started in high school. Instead of seeing our differences as a dividing wall between us, we started to see how our differences complimented each other and added value to our relationship.

He has a great sense of humor; I love to laugh. He loves to play music; I love listening to music. He's a good listener; I like to talk. He reminds me not to take life too seriously; I would like to think I keep him grounded.



My brother is one of the most amazing people I know, and I'm not just saying that because he's my brother. He's generous, kind and loyal. Absolutely hilarious. An amazing father, and a loving husband. He's a supportive and loving brother. Anyone that has met him knows exactly what I'm talking about. And they know how blessed they are to call him a friend.



Happy birthday, Tony. I am so proud of the man that you are, and feel incredibly blessed to call you both my brother and my friend. I love you.