I’ve found that these family posts are more difficult than I imagined. But, in my attempt to be the kind of person who says the things that should be said, I’ve finally decided to tackle this post about my brother Allan.
I have only a handful of memories of my life before Allan; how do I sum up in a few paragraphs what has literally been a lifelong relationship? In nearly every one of my childhood memories, Allan is present. Together we played, fought, laughed, cried, imagined, and learned. What would my youth have been without my constant antagonist, playmate, friend, and companion?
As I look back over our relationship, the simplest times have been the best. I cherish the moments that we spent together playing in the backyard or inventing games in the living room. (We thought we were original, but I have since learned that many siblings played “Don’t Touch the Floor” and “Keep the Balloon in the Air” at great risk to life and limb.)
I feel so blessed to have learned such important lessons as forgiveness, compassion, and generosity from my brother. While “I won’t tell if you won’t” is a far cry from mature forgiveness, it was an early understanding of the give and take of relationships. Allan is truly one of the most compassionate people that I know. In my moments of true anguish, he was always nearby with great compassion and understanding (though he was unbelievably perceptive in my moments of fake anguish). Allan is also a wonderfully generous individual. When we were young, it was not uncommon for him to spend all of his spending money on something for me, and when he was a teenager I often witnessed him giving his last few dollars to a needy friend.
Now, Allan is one of my most trusted advisers and counselors. He is the wisest and most perceptive twenty-three year old I have ever known. He is always willing to spend his time hashing out any complicated situation that I bring to him.
But, if I had to name Allan’s greatest role in my life, I would have to say that he has always been my laughter. There is nothing better than laughing with my brother. In fact, when we were younger the most terrible thing I could say to him, if I could manage it without cracking a smile, would be, “You are not funny anymore!” At this he would feign great pain while turning up the humor to hilarious levels. I pray that I will spend many, many more hours of my life laughing with my brother.
Praise God for his infinite wisdom in blessing me with my brothers and sister. I shudder to think of the kind of person I would have become without them. I hope and pray that someday Caleb will have brothers and sisters that will mold him and encourage him in the way that my siblings have.
P.S. I failed to mention that probably the greatest thing about Allan is Lindsay, who really deserves a post of her own. I’ll try to remedy that in the near future.
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You described Allan very well. He is so kind, loving and compassionate. He also has great insight, that is why he is a great counselor. You are right Lindsay is a great asset to him.
You have a great talent for writing. I really enjoy reading everything you write.
Love you, Mema