Happy Birthday Brother!
Today is the sixth of April, signifying one of the most important days of the year. Not because it happens to be Good Friday this year. It's not because Portland, Oregon was founded 161 years ago. Not because Telfon was invented 74 years on this day. It's not going to be on Wikipedia or Wolfram Alpha. But it's a day that means a great deal to me. On this day 26 years ago, the most influential person in my life was born. The baby born on this day, 26 years ago, was my brother, Michael.
I don't even know where to start on how much my older brother has affected my life. From a young age, he taught me "What doesn't kill you makes you stronger". I don't know if he knew he was teaching me that intentionally, but it's definitely something I live by. No experience is an bad experience, you become a more rounded and stronger person in the end. From the days where he would punch me at random moments (It still happens. Those damn "Dead Legs"!), chasing me around our house with fear in my eyes (Usually ending up in a ball), it all made me a better person. I want to thank my brother for my flexibility. How else would I be has flexible as I am today without someone constantly forcing me to put my feet behind my head?! What a good guy!
To this day, most things I really enjoy, my brother introduced to me. My first true obsession, tennis, was introduced to me by my brother. And the only reason I'm as good as I am is because of hitting and defeats to him. One day, I'll beat you! He got me obsessed with bowling with the introduction of $1 games at Providence Lanes. Kanye West (All Falls Down) was introduced to me by Mike. I really enjoy road trips after taking a couple of long road trips with Mike. What an great experience those road trips were, seeing a deal of the United States was truly amazing. I would recommend anyone to go on a cross country trip if they get a opportunity (Not everyone is lucky to have a cool bro like me!). He's taught me so many things in life (Sometimes he thinks he is teaching me but I learned it before him).
As a person, no one has had a significant impact like Mike has had on me. What a better person to look up to growing up than a great idol in a older brother? Growing up, I was jealous and envious of all the achievements he racked up (You wouldn't even believe how many awards he got called up to the stage for!). But now, I'm really happy for him; not just because he did it all but it made me strive for more. More than I could have thought. It's taught me to strive to be better all the time. I think I'm always constantly happy and joyful because of Michael, he's the same way. Most people consider me a robot, in terms of emotions (I'm much more logical than Mike is), but I've been opening up slowly with the help from Mike. He's shown me that it's good to let emotions loose sometimes and do what feels right. I would like to thank my brother for the person I am today. Whether that's something he wants to take pride in, is up to him.
While I'm taller and more handsome than my older brother, he'll always be my older brother and best friend. So, Mike, I hope you have a great birthday! And get a ice cream cake and take pictures, just like the old days! I wish I was in Cambridge to celebrate with you but I know you'll have a great time not matter what! I promise I'll be there to celebrate next year!
P.S. I think the photo above perfectly describes our relationship, even to this day. Michael hurting me and my sister, Jenny, just standing around looking innocent. And I deserved what I got in that picture, just look what I was doing right before that picture:
