J. ANNE

Hi big brother.  We don’t talk much.  But I love you.

I want to tell you today, on your birthday, that I miss you more than you might realize.  I miss your laugh, and the way that you can make fun of me and show me affection at the same time.  I miss having the one person in my life who will yell at me, and put me in my place… and then go and have a few beers, and be crying with laughter by the end of the day.

You’re such a tough guy on the outside, rough and gruff, and all things Texas.  But I’m going to let the internet in on a big secret… the only thing Texas about you is the size of your heart.  I know with certainty that I could call on you in  a moments notice.  That my boys are just as much mine as they are yours.  And that your wife has truly become a sister to me.

You are my family.  And I love you.

Happy birthday.

But really, Jason… you have to stop being such a bully.  You push me out of trucks, break Lauri’s arm… and then her son’s arm, you shoot me with bee bee guns… and this photo is clear evidence that you pushed me down this slide, and then watched on as I fought for my life.  You sociopath.

But I still love you.  And I still hope that you have a wonderful birthday.