Monday, August 23, 2010

I hope there are not 30 spankings with that...

My little brother turned 30 yesterday. An all weekend bash upon a yacht and a full out rental of a club downtown meant he welcomed Age 30 just like Thurston Howell, with a much better hat.  Hope your liver has recovered, brother. And I hope there are not 30 spankings to go with that soiree.

His beautiful Mom wanted to create a coffee table book for him comprised of a collection of letters from family and friends. It also includes pictures from across the span of his life including this beauty below which appears to be a photo of my cheerleading squad basically holding him against his will. 

I was asked to write the introduction to this amazing book of love and adoration which I agreed to immediately as my little brother is a truly incredible person. And I believe the people you love should not only know you love them, but why you love them.

Today I am celebrating the day he was born with a standing ovation to the man he has become.
____

Dear HP:

The day you were born, I think of all of the lucky people who had not yet met you but would ultimately feel the benefit, and power, and love of having you in their lives. Wherever you go, you create a string of connectivity (and a whirlwind of fun) that makes people want to be a part of your sphere, your light, and your world.  You have one of the most generous spirits, and there is not a friend in your life that questions the lengths you would go to to help someone you care about whether that means a ride to the airport, hosting a baby shower, or packing them up and moving them across the country. And we can all name more than one occasion you listened to each of us talk, vent, share, or worry and one of your first questions has always been: What can I do to help?

And you have a sass and a spirit to you that make you one of the most entertaining people we know, with an awesome sense of humor,  and the one we always want to sit next to at the party. (Especially if that party is on a Disco Bus.) Oh, we love your stories. All of us have a favorite, which is usually the one we witnessed as it went down.

And you are strong. You have a pretty incredible sense of perserverance and tenacity for someone just turning 30. You have really made an amazing life and career for yourself and the most incredible aspect of it is, there is still so much ahead for you.  You have excelled in everything you have set as a goal for yourself and someday we may all need to come for you for a job.

And let us not forget to include your gorgeous sense of style. Banana Republic should hire you not only as their Vice President of PR, but also as a poster boy.

This is such a significant day for you. Marking just a portion of your life and I hope you truly have a sense of pride in every mental snapshot that fills up your portfolio of life experiences. And thank you. Thank you for making room for all of us to enjoy the party, enjoy the show, and enjoy the experience that is being a part of your life. Everyone whose life you touch is lucky.

And not just today but everyday, you have a giant group of people in your corner. Your biggest fan club. Your rooting section. And I hope when you think about your life, whether on a trip to Mexico, doing a presentation and landing another account, or while standing on that dance floor doing that pop-hip-snap in front of the giant fan, you know you are loved.

And bravo to you, because you are your absolute best work so far.

On behalf of your entire family and all of your friends,
We love you,
Your sister

45 comments:

Anonymous said...

Um, did you just say that he works for BR????? GIVE him an EXTRA birthday hug from me...

Really, Happy Birthday to him!

Unknown said...

That was absolutely beautiful. Did it make him all misty eyed. If not at the party I am sure it did later. He sounds like a person that anyone would be blessed to meet

Busy Bee Suz said...

What a lovely tribute!!
I am still laughing at him celebrating just like Thurston Howell!

Slamdunk said...

Surrounded by cheerleaders? Now that is a young man's dream.

Happy belated birthday to HP and thanks for sharing your tribute to him.

People Who Know Me Would Say: said...

What a heartfelt tribute from his big sister!

He sure knows how to party in style! Just imagining that much celebration leaves me ready for a nap!

Mr. Charleston said...

Looks like big sis taught him how to party well.

Unknown said...

What a sweet and loving tribute to your brother! Thanks for sharing it with us.

Jenn @ Youknow...that Blog? said...

Beautiful, JM! I'm jealous that you have such a wonderful relationship with your brother (won't even go into mine)

Hope he had a wonderful birthday! He sounds like an all around great guy :)

Herding Cats said...

Happy brother's bday! Also, your mom's idea of a scrapbook full of letters and pictures is just incredible. I adore it!

Liza said...

Touching tribute...how nice to be able to write that for your brother. Happy Birthday to him!

Liza said...

Touching tribute...how nice to be able to write that for your brother. Happy Birthday to him!

Secret Mom Thoughts said...

beautiful tribute.

Rita Templeton said...

That's awesome, JennyMac! I turn 30 a week from today, and I'm pretty sure I won't be getting a yacht, a club rental, OR a heartfelt book of sentimental wishes from anyone. But hey, a card works, right? :)

Happy birthday to your little bro!

Mrs. M said...

That picture is priceless!!

Your family is so wonderfully close -what a special gift for your brother.

Pseudo said...

Lovely letter and tribute. And the photo is adorable.

Kristina P. said...

Can you be my sister!

Denise said...

Lovely, lovely, lovely. Happy day to your baby brother, who, it sounds, is equally lucky to have you in his life.

Noe Noe Girl...A Queen of all Trades. said...

What a wonderful sister you are!
Happy Birthday to your brother!
<><

Anonymous said...

Happy birthday to him. Love the cheerleader photo.
Mary

Vivienne @ the V Spot said...

You always write THE most beautiful things to your family. Happy birthday to him!

Vivienne @ the V Spot said...

You always write THE most beautiful things to your family. Happy birthday to him!

Fragrant Liar said...

Aaww, that was a whole lotta sweetness for your bro. He's lucky to have you and sounds like you're lucky to have him too. Does this mean he's quit pulling your hair and peeking in your drawers? ;-)

McKenzie said...

Happy Birthday to your little brother! That is an amazing letter that you wrote.

Brian Miller said...

ah, we share a birthday! happy birthday to your brother...loved your note!

ThatsBaloney said...

Wow. Can your family adopt me?

brokenteepee said...

What a lucky brother...

Myya said...

Happy Birthday to your little brother!

Amy, Scandy, Whatever you want to call me said...

Awww, what fun!
My little bro is getting married this weekend...for the THIRD time...in New Mexico. My sis and I plan a 48 hour drunk fo' shizzle!

Kir said...

oooh, I'm just weeping and even though I thought I wrote my brother a beautiful letter when he turned 30 last year, I am writing him another, because when someone should be celebrated you do it, like this.


this was a gorgeous way to tell him how much he means to you. It's a beautiful letter..<3, thanks for sharing it with us.

webb said...

Any brother would be thrilled to have you for his sister. I want to steal your letter to send to my brother on his next birthday! (but i won't)

HalfAsstic.com said...

OK, if I wasn't spending all this time being impressed with this guy, I'd be all choked up by how sweet that letter is!
What a wonderful family you have!

Allyson & Jere said...

So sweet and of course beautifully written. I wanna meet him now, he sounds like FUN! Oh, AND, I want to see the book,. 'cause I bet it's awesome.

Happy 30th to him. I loved turning 30, hope he does too.

MommyLisa said...

Little Brothers are awesome. But mine has a "Gordon Gekko" shirt that we all want to burn! Ugh.

Stacy Uncorked said...

Awwwww! That was so sweet! You sound like you have the same kind of relationship with your little brother like I do with mine. Aren't they the best?

Happy Birthday to your brother!

Intense Guy said...

Happy Birthday HP!

(Enjoy that picture with you and the cheerleaders you lucky stiff, you...)

MommaKiss said...

Oh, this one hit's me right in the heart. Love for a little brother, well, It runs deep in my veins and I haven't been able to wish mine a happy birthday in such a long time...

Gorgeous post, and I'm sure your brother appreciates the love.

Anonymous said...

Happy Birthday to your brother! And cheers to many more!

J.J. in L.A. said...

This was soooo sweet! Your brother is lucky to have YOU in his life.

Anonymous said...

awesome note. Your brother is as lucky as you are.

Unknown said...

How sweet! Sounds like you have an awesome brother & he has an awesome sister! And I want to read more about the party!

shortmama said...

Happy belated to the bro!

Unknown said...

You write the best letters, JM. My mom is coming into KC this weekend for my birthday. I got HER a present for my birthday (thought it would be sweet gesture)....and I need to think about writing something in her card. Wanna help a girl out?!?!!

Dumbwit Tellher said...

That was the perfect birthday tribute,so well written & from your heart. Now..must ask, did your little brother graduate from SHS? my daughter just turned 30 & I thought ...eek wondering if they had been in the same class? Loving the cheer team photo, priceless. Go Panthers!!

Hoping your brothers birthday was just as special as he surely seems to be. x

The Absence of Alternatives said...

This is such a wonderful post for your little brother!

Anonymous said...

This is beautifully written and he sounds like someone that anyone be lucky to have in their life. Great post!!