Josh: From Shortest To Tallest, With Love

...And here we go again, another birthday this month! Today is my brother Josh's birthday! He's two years younger than me, which means that he's only in his mid-30s, whereas I am pushing 40! But today is not about me, his shorter, older, balder brother! Today is all about Josh, whom I envy and admire for so many reasons!

Like many siblings, our relationship has had many ups and downs. Yet, as I look back on our early years I can honestly say that I don't remember us fighting all of the time; in fact, for the most part we got along. Josh was more adventurous than me, and he was the one who successfully jumped off of our bunk beds at the tender age of 3, while I broke my foot after my first jump! Go figure! I always felt like I should have been the younger brother, because Josh always seemed to be a leader to me, the one to pave the way for the rest of the family to follow. He's a brave guy--always has been, always will be.

I am grateful that when we were both in high school together we had a good relationship, a friendship. I had more fun hanging out with Josh and his sophomore friends than I did with my senior friends. And Josh was the one who helped me get out of my "social shell" and spend time with the members of the Singles Ward.

Josh and I both work at Progressive and this year we've been able to car pool to work together; at first it was out of necessity, but then it just became a fun ritual for us. And I really enjoyed having this time with Josh, commuting and communicating together!

Am I jealous of the fact that Josh is taller than me? In way better shape than me? Able to shave all of his hair off and have it grow back, while I struggle to keep what's left of my hair? Heck yeah! But I am so grateful to have him as a brother, a friend, a car pool buddy, a mentor and example!

It was difficult to find a picture of Josh and me where I am taller than him, but I found one!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY JOSH!! THANKS FOR ALL THAT YOU HAVE DONE FOR YOUR "LITTLE BIG BROTHER!"