I have been avoiding this post for several days because it is extremely overwhelming to think of how to sum up Billy in a blog post. As I mentioned in my post about Mihaela, my relationship with Billy had a slightly rocky start. I really did not want to believe that he was a boy. I already had a brother, and I figured one brother is the same as another, but it turns out I was wrong.

Since the moment that Billy was born, we have had a very special bond. Billy is nine years younger than me; and, while that may have been fairly common in generations past, it is uncommon in this generation. I rarely meet people that also have siblings almost a decade younger than them, but I believe that being Billy’s older sister has been a particular blessing in my life. Being so much older than Billy gave me a unique perspective of his life; it was very different than my perspective of Allan’s life. I really got to watch Billy grow up and enjoy his childhood. I could appreciate how adorable he was and take great pride in his accomplishments without ever feeling competitive. I could see his flaws in relationship to his wonderful character, without mistaking his flaws for his character. As I look back, I wish I could have had a similar understanding of Allan, who was only three years younger than me (more on him later).

Billy was a wonderfully unique kid. I have never known a little child more in love with God; he used to tell people that he wanted to be a prophet when he grew up! He also could be really funny when he wanted to be; I’ll never forget watching him pretend to be “the beast” from Beauty and the Beast.

Another interesting facet of my relationship with Billy is that I actually got to be his English teacher when he was in the 10th grade. I got a job at the school that he goes to, and I ended up teaching his Pre-AP class. What a wonderful experience! How often do big sisters actually get to grade their little brothers? I couldn’t wait to send a note home to his parents! But he really was a wonderful student, and he lovingly forgave me when I accidentally called him “Billy Boy” in front of the whole class.

If I could, I would see to it that everybody had a “Billy” in their life. Now that Billy is almost grown, he has become a source of strength, wisdom, and encouragement to me. I am so in awe of his deep love for God and his desire to serve Him. I often pray that Caleb will have a similar passion for God when he grows up. I cannot wait to see all of the wonderful things that Billy will accomplish in his lifetime. It’s going to be so sad to watch him leave home next year, but I know that he is ready. I’m just not sure if the world is ready for Billy!

PS – We recently found out that Billy qualified as a National Merit Semifinalist! Hip, hip, hooray!