Dear Chris -
Now seems like a good a time as any to just say "thank you". Thank you for always being there for me and for our family when we needed it. Mom has always stood by my side through anything I went through, Dad has always stood in front of me to protect me, but you always stood behind me. It may seem like an unnoticed spot, but you're the one who is always there to push me when I need it. You give me an extra boost when I'm sad. You supported me with everything, whether it's was sitting through Resounding Joy concerts, The Continentals, or Swordbearers (hey, I sat through how many hours of your wrestling/pole vaulting?), encouraging me to do my best, or even wiping a tear every now and then. You're like my own personal cheerleader who thinks the best of me whether I've done well or not.
When I was born, you gained the title of big brother and all of the responsibility that went with it. You may have groaned and rolled your eyes more than a few times since then, but you always fulfilled the job and went above and beyond the big brother call of duty. And, because of you, I got some extra bullet points under my job description that day too. Mostly, to be high maintenance and annoy you to no end, because what else are little sisters for? You're never gonna get rid of that. It's my lifelong job! But so is supporting you, being there for you no matter what, and being that little voice inside your head that always says go for it! Take the chance! (or throw your head back into the wind and enjoy Gods good pleasure as Dad would say). Go big or go home!
We're both almost one year older now...I cannot believe how fast time has gone and how much of life we still enjoy together with our growing families...I want you to know that you can still make me laugh and you make me so proud until my heart hurts and my eyes well up. I smile when I see you happy and it hurts to see you hurt. We're both building futures for ourselves and our families and I continue to be amazed at what you make of it because you're insanely smart and resourceful yet humble and humorous to boot!
So, celebrate today, big bro! You deserve it and much more. I love you to the moon and back, to infinity and beyond, and, although I risk sounding TOO cliche, with all my heart!! Happy birthday, and, I pray, many more!
Love you...Jenny