I Love my Baby Brother

February was suppose to be the month of LOVE. I hasn’t really worked out. My laptop died and so I have only been able to check my blogs and e-mails sporadically.

However, I really needed to do this post, before tomorrow, before my little brother leaves for two years.

I love my baby brother.

I really, really do.

There are so many reasons I love him, more than just because he is my brother. He is so kind and willing to help. There are many times he has been there for me and my family. When Dadzoo was hurt and we were going to Doctor appointments and x-rays and MRI’s he came many times to watch my kids for me. One morning when we had an especially early appointment he even got the kids off to school! (He told me later that his respect and awe for mothers increased after that morning!)

When I was about to deliver my 5th baby I was huge and in a lot of pain. My brother came to my house and spent an entire Saturday helping me clean, he washed walls, doors and base boards. He helped me take all the decorations down and dust and wash everything. He even cleaned under the stove. He wouldn’t let me pay him, even though that was the original deal. I will never forget that day, he was happy and cheerful and willing to do the work. We had a great time.

Those are only two examples of times that he had been of service to me, there have been numerous weekends where he hauled rocks, weeded, mowed lawns, babysat or just hung out and had a good time.

I also love that we can talk, specifically about politics and history. Usually we are on the same page, but when there is a differing of opinion he has a way of disagreeing that isn’t confrontational, and he is always respectful of the opposing point of view. I am going to miss our talks. I keep warning him that he might get long letters from me…

I love that he loves his nieces and nephews. While most 18 years olds getting ready to leave for two years might be spending a lot of time with friends and girls, Chadd had been making a point to spend a lot of time with us, the family. Especially the kids. They all love “Chaddy” and are going to miss him too.

Tomorrow Chadd is off to serve the Lord and the good people of Michigan, we will have very limited contact with him in the next two years, we can send letters, e-mail once a week and on Mother’s Day and Christmas get to make a phone call. I am going to miss him so much, but I am proud that he is willing to put his life on hold and leave us to do what the Lord would have him do.