Chasing Ideals

Birthday number two is today and belongs to the only blood brother I shall have in this life. Stephen turns twenty today. It is an amazing thing that he and I are now in our adult years. We were together always until I was sixteen and so much of my life before that I cannot imagine without him. He was my closest friend at times of chasing cows in Ireland and through times of incredible cultural changes when we moved to the United States. There are moments especially after that move that I cannot imagine having faced without our constant companionship. When I think back he was always stronger within himself than I and more able to adapt to the changes we faced.

Thinking of him now I am proud as his brother of the intelligence he posesses. I think that schools in the United States weren't equipped for such. His ability to retain and understand information is incredible. Sometimes in speaking with him I am amazed at the knowledge he has obtained. Whenever he attempts to learn something new whether academic or otherwise I cannot recall a failure. I know that throughout his life if he is challenged and can increase his knowledge he will be a success. He is also one who will always lead others. The strength that he has within himself means that he does not need to depend on others for approval. When we were younger I remember being inspired by his confidence in approaching people that I would have soiled myself at the thought of talking to. He was often one to be the comedian in front of people twice his age and take it in stride. Throughout his life that confidence in him is something others can be supported by when their confidence is failing.

I am excited that I have been a part of my brother's life and for all that the future will bring for him. As my brother his life is woven in with mine and in that I am blessed. Hopefully in the next years we will be reunited here in Europe and continue to share this life as we did in all of the early days.

I am at the moment in a town called Kusadasi and will tell more about it soon but first there are two birthdays to address. The first which I am two days late in mentioning is that of my brother-in-law Ken. He joined the family in December of 2002 when he married my youngest older sister Aran. One could hardly blame him for wanting to join up though I think the decision to do so is a weighted one. Making oneself a part of an already large and close knit family circle is no easy task. Ken has been well able for the job however and much of our family gatherings now would not be the same without him. I have always been impressed at his desire to make himself a part especially at the beginning when we weren't always the most welcoming. One of modern society's acpects that I loathe is when married people cut ties with their families and isolate themselves from that support structure. It is a gift when a member of your family marries and their spouse wishes to make himself/herself a part.

In my time with Ken I have always enjoyed his ability to include humor and seriousness in our conversations. A vast majority of people err on one side or another. We have had chats on the side of nonsensical BS and others that Aristotle might be proud of and I love that both are possible. Some of my fondest memories with him are when math tutorship was the intended action but instead we spent the hours chatting about various alternative subjects. I have never seen him in action at work but I know that he will always be a success especially in terms of leadership with other people. He is one that does not think of himself as better or higher than others because of the roles his work has given to him. At the same time he demands a high standard from himself first and no less from those he must lead.

I am inspired watching Ken with their two children. My niece and nephew display a grace and intelligence that is a testament to their parents love and care for them. It is blessing for me in my pre-childrearing years to have the opportunity to be a witness to members of my fam experiencing those early joys and difficulties. It allows me to be better prepared and I have also enjoyed being allowed to be a part of their early lives. Ken had made his life his family and that is something I love to see. He was and is the eighth member of the fam and the post is well filled.