It was my brother's birthday on August 5th...he's now 27 years old...and still my little brother. :)
This picture is of us at Malibu Seafood for a birthday in the past, I'm sure...we ended up there for most spontaneous dinners in the summer when we felt like driving to the beach around dinner time.
Growing up together, I think I acted like his second mother more than I did his sister most of the time, but I have such vivid memories of moments together when we were young that I know will be passed on to anyone who will listen. As much as I love recounting shows we performed for our family in the living room when we were little, living in 3 different states together, family vacations, playing and singing on the worship team together for youth group and in Russia, going to the same college, and many more memories we had while living under the same roof...I think I will most treasure the relationship we've had in the most recent years...
I've loved seeing how Derek relates so well with people...I've always admired his ability to be in a totally new environment and situation and get along so well with those he meets. Whether he enters a situation that feels like home or one where he's faced with new challenges, he always takes it head on, doing whatever is necessary to push through to the other side...to grow and be changed in the process.
It kinda makes me smile that the same guy who got "fired" as a junior counselor at our church summer camp when he was in junior high (and then re-hired weeks later) went back to become one of the directors years later...the same guy who wasn't crazy about the idea of going to college as a high schooler, went on to get his B.A., is now finishing up his Masters of Divinity with Honors and going on to pursue his doctorate.
Derek has gone from being my "little" brother, to my friend, and now someone I aspire to be more like...and not just because of his "achievements," but because of who he is, and how he has made a choice to jump in with two feet to the transformation process God desires for all of his created. There isn't anyone else in the world who in the same hour, I can have a serious, theological discussion with (most of which I just listen since he's so brilliant!) and the next second laugh 'till I'm crying because he's hilarious! I'm so thankful to be sharing him now with my family...John says he should write a book someday, Ryder laughs every time I mention his name and still sings the songs Uncle D teaches him every time he's around...
Uncle D with little Ryder Daniel...
Uncle D with Cole Bryan...
(right when he woke up from a nap...hence the crazy hair!)
Uncle D with Cora Grace...
Living in IL has been a mixed blessing since we're now closer to Nashville where Derek is going to grad school...we love it everytime he makes the 5-6 hour drive up to see us! We love you Derek, for the moments we still laugh at when we remember them from the past and for the way you bring us deeper thoughts about God, and an example of how to love and listen to those around us well. Happy Birthday Uncle D!!!! We love you!
