Joy

There are few things that say Joy to me in this Christmas season like two boys in their 'underoos' wrestling or more accurately, beating each other on a pull out couch. Watching my boys, involved in such hi-jinx so often just reminds me how glad I really am for them that they have a companion to go through childhood with. I cannot wait to share some of these tales and oh so many more with them, when it's appropriate of course! So, instead  I'll share them with people who can read. Stories of my brother/friends.

I didn't have brothers growing up, my friends played this role in my life.  I'm not sure I should share their names in the details of the stories as it may 'incriminate' them. Probably not actual crimes just some things that might make us both look somewhat goofy.

1. Thank you friend who lived on a farm for, the many experiences, but most of all for the time spent in the hay loft above the cows trough peeing onto their heads after we had just dropped some grain in to lure them to the trough. 

2. Thank you friend who discovered with me that the place where the bed came from on the new pull out couch was a great spot to hide and watch the first ever episode of 90210.

3. Thank you friends who would routinely get in fights that turn out to be nothing but a good old fashioned butt kicking in someone's front yard 

4. Thank you friend who showed me how powerful the combination of pvc pipe, hairspray and potato could really be.

5. Thank you friends who inspired so much creativity and adventure at summer camps in Gowen and Evart. I wish I could elaborate more, it just doesn't seem wise...

6. Thank you also friends who continue to be the brothers I didn't have. From the blood and sweat of the softball fields, to roshambo in the offices, to cheering court side, to dreaming of adventures yet to be lived, to a conversation and a cool beverage on the front porch, to sharing a holiday meal with the brother's-in-law, or heroically living our lives as husbands, fathers, and men. You guys are the brothers I never had!