18, legal, and awesome

Today, my brother Josh turns 18.

My mother claims that when we brought him home from the hospital our dog thought he was a squirrel and I wanted to put a For Sale sign up in the front yard. In all likelihood, the dog probably did think Josh was squirrel because he would not stop barking at the poor babe, and my dear mom is confusing a Shel Silverstein poem called “Sister for Sale” with my wanting to put up my brother for sale. It happens when you get old, shhhh.

I know that I never wanted to put up a For Sale sign because I wanted a baby brother more than anything. I wished for it in the “Make a Wish” section of my second grade workbook. On my 7th birthday my mom puked her guts out and shortly thereafter I found out–accidentally, by eavesdropping–that my mom was pregnant.

Because we’re almost eight years apart, we’ve never been in a fight. There have been some annoyances here and there but the lack of toy and moment-sharing has really made for a smooth relationship. I love this kid, I think he’s the sweetest, most hilarious man I know. As he winds up his last year of high school and tries to narrow down his choices for college, I eagerly anticipate the next few years. I can’t wait to see and hear about his new adventures, what he’s learning in and outside of school, and his plans for the near and distant future. I sound hokey, I know, but it’s my baby brother!

Last night we saw M. Ward together and tonight we’re eating dinner with friends and family. I plan on giving him 18 hugs, 18 hi-fives, and a voter registration card because that’s what big sisters are for.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY JOSH!