Brothers

Growing up as a child I was privileged to have a brother. It was always the two of us. My parents had several jobs each and we were "latchkey" kids for a long time. So, it was always the two of us after school and in the neighborhood. Dale is three years older than me, but we were able to only be two years apart in school. In school, I was always known before I stepped in a class and I had a reputation that most kids would have killed for because of him. Teachers thought I was smart and the other kids thought I was great. I was able to be "cool" without having to really put any effort in. I tagged along wherever he went and his friends were my friends. Looking back now, I know that he probably would rather have liked to have his own space and time, but as the little brother... I can definitely say that I reaped the benefits. Like all brothers, we have had some close times and some not so close times. I can always say that I always had a friend, a comrade, a bud. I always had someone to play with.

Watching my sons play makes me think about how lucky I have been to have a brother.Now that my brother and I have gotten older, we both have separate lives. We both have been blessed to have two wonderful sons. I realize the importance of having had someone there when I see my sons play. I hope and pray that my sons have the same, if not better, relationship than Dale and me.