An Ode to Joe ~ Vida Bonita

Wednesday, January 7, 2015

An Ode to Joe

3:53 PM ShannaOSU No comments

Nothing makes you feel old like your little brother turning 21, which is exactly what happened today. And by "little brother" I mean, we're 7.5 years apart, so that's a big enough gap for that to make me feel old. I used to hold that little guy! I remember very vividly the day he was born and my disappointment that despite them telling me so for several months, he was indeed still a boy.

One of many Illinois River Float Trips

The age gap between Joe and I really is nothing short of genius on my parents' part. For one thing, we really don't have anything to fight about because we are never experiencing the same life events at the same time. As a result we are extremely close. Begrudging Joe of anything just makes me feel like a really petty person. He's just a baby! As long as my parents raised me right (and I mean c'mon), they had a built-in role model. As a result, Joe is actually pursuing the same Environmental Science degree path that I took. I don't think we will end up with the same sorts of jobs because we're different people, but it's pretty cool to have a brother who respects what you do enough to take it on himself. And financially, having us so far apart was just brilliance on my parents' part. Kids are expensive. They gave themselves recovery time, not to mention an additional 8 years of earning potential. And let's not forget the free babysitter.

I wish I had some pictures of Joe on hand from when he was little. He was really cute and he had such a calm demeanor. A very "go with the flow" child. When I was trying to negotiate birthday plans at Disney World, Joe would do stuff like, "How does the Golden Corral sound for my birthday dinner?" I kid you not. We had like 6 of Joe's birthdays at the Golden Corral. He was always so calm and didn't make a big deal out of anything. Maybe Cline will take after her Uncle Joe and not let anything bother her. Joe is just one of those extremely likable people. If anyone said they didn't like Joe I would assume they had a personality disorder.

So Joe, here's your birthday card for the whole world to see. I am tremendously blessed to not only know you, but to be your big sister. God had wonderful plans putting you in my life and I am better for knowing you. I admire you for your kindness, patience, athleticism, determination, and intelligence. I will never in my life forget your valedictorian speech where you thanked me for being a role model in your life. If I have had anything to do with the human that you are, I consider that an honor and that I must be doing something right because you have turned out wonderfully. Have a fantastic birthday. Be safe. Know that your big sis is always in your corner. I love you more than you'll ever know.