Number 14

Today I am thankful for my brother Collen.  He is so even and so grounded.  You know how I get very animated and excited over small things like, say, a deeply discounted pair of heels?  Or how dramatic I might be when telling a story?  Well, Collen is pretty much my polar opposite in that sense.  I have always said that the house could be on fire and while I'd be screaming, "Everybody out, save yourselves, oh my gosh, we're all going to die!!!" and he'd be like, "C'mon guys. (long pause) Let's go."

Now that's not really true.  It's just that he doesn't sweat the small stuff.  And sometimes doesn't even get dramatic about the big stuff.  He's not shy, but he's kind of quiet.  If Collen is talking, it's about something relevant.  He's just no-nonsense that way.  He reminds me a lot of our Grandad.  He didn't say a whole lot, but when he did, people listened because it wasn't just for small talk.

Collen has a kind heart.  And he is so polite.  Plus he was one of those guys who didn't really crack open a book, yet graduated with high honors (sickening, I know).  And he never missed a day of high school (I know, right?!) He's non-confrontational, but I've certainly seen him stand up for what he believes in and voice his opinion. 

There are over 6 years between us, so that meant he had to put up with me being a bitty for a few years after he was born.  Like the time we were in the car and I poked him with a pin so he'd cry and get in trouble (which as it turns out, babies don't get in trouble for crying, especially when they're being deliberately injured by their jealous older sister.  Rather, the car stops and the jealous sister gets a spanking on the side of the interstate.) or when I cut off all of his hair just after he had finally grown some.  Or when Mandy and I dressed him in a cheerleading uniform and tied him to a rocking chair and took pictures of him.  Or that time I almost got both of us killed by a train.  Well, that one wasn't intentional on my part, but it still counts as serious neglect on my part. 

After all that (and believe me, there was plenty more), Collen always loved me and stood by my side.  Of course we fought as siblings do.  But he's just a different breed.  I don't see him as often as I'd like, but when I do it's always a fun time.  He is a really, really great brother and I am just so lucky to have him.