Greetings all you blog viewers, I guess it’s my turn to wish John a happy 30th birthday! This is my first time as a “guest blogger” and I am very happy that Carrie asked me to write a little something to honor my brother.
As everyone who has ever met John knows, he is a unique personality all to himself. I don’t exaggerate when I say that there was never a dull moment growing up together! Regardless of all the shenanigans, tattle-telling, fighting, and the competitions for attention (and the car), I am so very thankful to our parents for giving me someone to share the ups and downs of childhood, adolescence and now in life as adults. I am equally thrilled that Preston and Luke will also have this brotherly bond to enjoy as they journey through life.
The one common denominator in my experience of knowing my brother for these past three decades is his steadfastness and determination. When he puts his mind to something, whatever the means to get it done, he will do it. While this has sometimes lead to questionable judgments in the past – like when John decided to redecorate his bedroom one weekend while our folks were out of town (wallpaper is so hard to remove!) – in every day that I get to spend with him now, I see him applying that sense of undaunted purpose towards teaching his children and in being a good spouse.
As a recent member of the 30+ club, let me tell you that saying goodbye to your 20’s isn’t the end of the world. I am a firm believer that at age 30, all of the best things in life are truly ahead you. John, I am so very happy to join with all of your friends, family, and the entire internet, to say congratulations on this milestone birthday. I wish you much happiness and success now, and in the future.