Oh Brother, Where Art Thou?

We had lunch with some friends on Sunday. They have a daughter and son (with some more thrown in between!) that are the same age difference as my brother Phillip and I. I watched them a lot during our time together. It was like turning back time and seeing Phillip and I. The little brother would lift his arms for his big sister and she basically did everything for him that a mom does. I remember those days so well! It seems like yesterday. I also felt some sadness because I remember leaving home around 18 (I came back for a short while) and he was only 9. He still had 9 years left at home and those are some pretty big years for kids. And let's face it, I was pretty self absorbed during those years. So when I look at him now I can't believe that he is married with 3 kids. I am tempted to ask him sometimes if he caught any bears while bear hunting in the woods. ;-) I started thinking back over the years though and had to smile. I remembered: bear hunts, his cute little prayer "Thank you for the food, thank you for the God.",(should have been a clue to the teen years, huh, Mom?!) only eating macaroni and cheese, talks of aliens falling through our roof, sneaking out when he was around 9 by climbing out of his window and I was convinced that someone had kidnapped him, taking my bf in HS a rose because she was cute, t-ball games, when my friend died in 10th grade he wondered why I was sad because "she is in Heaven with Jesus and that is the happiest place of all." I remember dating a guy and when we broke up I made him promise to keep in touch with Phillip because Phlip really liked him. I called him up one day because Phillip wanted him to come play and I even offered to leave. This "boy" informed me that he did not have time for that. I had never been so livid!! That was the last of that boy for good. So I do sit here at times and wonder, "O little brother, where art thou?!" When did you grow up? When did you get to be so much taller than me? It's crazy. But I am so blessed to be able to see the wonderful, amazing dad that he is. His kids are incredibly blessed to have him. He is a fun dad and would do anything for them. I remember thinking what a great dad he would be when I would watch him with my kids. He is a great uncle and truly tries to have a relationship with his nieces and nephews. He adores his wife and truly loves her. So Phlip, this one is for you! You will always be my "little" brother and I love you!! Thanks for the memories!