eu amo meu irmao!

this is my brother...a few years ago! today, he celebrates his _ _ birthday. i'm kinda bummed that i can't be there to give him a hug, some form of a pastry, and a gift...but then again, i know he's ok with that and likes it low key anyways.

i've always wondered what my brother was like before he i was born...cos from what i've heard, his life changed when i was born...but he's always been his own. i think i have a pretty good idea of who he, but i'm always learning. i can't imagine my life without my bro. he's always been there, and if not physically there, then just a mere email/text message/phone call away. you know, he's the one that first challenged me to consider Jesus in my life? and then following that, he also challenged me to consider a number of things, including buying a laptop vs. a desktop computer, jazz music and Harry Connick Jr (i'll get there, one day), gortex jackets, and what's most relevant to where i am now - to take a moment and consider what it might be like to help someone that lives on the streets. Darrell's been an incredible example of what it means to be a leader, and a follower. his passion for life, music, people and God are just a few of the things that stand out to me. i treasure my friendship with him so much, above any other relationship that i have with anybody else. i'm excited to see what happens in the next year of his life...whether it's another trip, a new job, the completion of his thesis (!!!) or a better understanding of what it means to be a husband, and a follower of Jesus.

i think i'm one of his biggest fans...and so i say, Happy Birthday, dear friend. thanks for being born (teehee) and living life with passion and integrity.

much love,

dL