Brotherly Love

This Thanksgiving the thing I am most grateful for is having an older brother.

Russell is three years older than me and has always been a role model to me.  He has become a great example of hard work and determination and following your dream.  I remember as a kid playing with him in the yard and him allowing me to have the cooler power or the better toy (that is with the exception of his GI Joes!) and helping me clean our bedroom even though I have always been the messy one.  As we grew older and socially distant I remember him inviting me into his room to watch Psych, Glee, and/or Firefly with him.  These moments of bonding throughout my adolescents allowed me to cherish a great bond with my brother. 

                When I was 18 Russell moved out and our bonding time changed into going out to eat once or twice a month.  Our favorite places were the Ruby’s Diner at the end of the Long Beach Pier or BJ’s off of Beach Blvd.  We would talk and I learned a great deal from these conversations.  I learned what to expect when out on your own and I learned that I needed to be prepared to do what was needed if I wanted to be independent.  With everything my brother has done for me perhaps the greatest thing I have learned and received from my brother is the gift of unconditional love.

                Russell and I have long been different on political, social, and religious matters.  Though he disagrees with some of my ways my brother has been there to support me in all my endeavors.  Russell has been present for every major event in my life!  He made sacrifices to come and hear me speak in church and has been present for each priesthood advancement I have received.  He supported me through my mission even coming to church with me on one Sunday.   He has supported me through the loss of friends and family to death and he has informed me on political issues.  He has trusted me with secrets and fears and accepted my trepidations.  This is the definition of true and unconditional love.

                I love you Russell and I miss you very much!  You live in a different state now but I still enjoy your company and conversation whenever we get the chance!  Thanks for being my Older Brother!