The Fat Little Brother

When I was born I was sort of a little chunk. My brother J. was almost 8 years old when I was born and when he saw me he began preparations for a lifetime of protecting his fat little brother. I was referred to as the Buddha child because of my round little stomach which was often rubbed for good luck. Eventually, I grew taller and thinner. In fact by my freshman year of high school I looked like I'd just been released from the hospital or some prison camp. I was painfully thin.

I don't think J. had to protect me from being made fun of which is a good thing because I think he is only slightly better with his fists than I am with mine and that's not good (I'm a lover not a fighter). However, he did teach me some valuable lessons that have served me well over the years. Here are just a few in no particular order :

1. Humor can be a great equalizer. It can put people at ease or cut them to the core. Be careful.
2. Don't make quick judgments.
3. Don't date a smoker. It's like kissing an ash tray.
4. It's fun to sing along with the car radio even if you don't know all the words to the song.
5. Telling people the truth is the most loving thing you can do.
6. When attempting to hit a golf ball, keep your head down. Let someone else watch where it goes.
7. All the worlds a stage.
8. When you are performing in public, the audience is not nearly as aware of your mistakes as you are.
9. Not ALL lawyers are evil people.
10. Our dad is a wonderful resource of wisdom, knowledge and lawn equipment.

J. turns 43 today and we have truly come full circle. He's managed to keep himself in better shape than me and last week he gave me a belt that was too big for him. That's right, I am once again the fat little brother. But, I'm okay with that. It worked out alright the first time.

Happy birthday J. from your fat little brother.