Once Upon a Time Wednesday

Once upon a time Wednesday is about things from the past. There are many stories in my head that I want to share with my girls. The trip to Ellis Island, thank you very much Liberty Mutual, this summer made me realize that I had to get these stories documented. History is extremely important and fun!  Play along if you want!

Once upon a time..... my brother, Tommy, was born. He was born as the 3rd in the family and the only son. I am 6 years older than him and my sister, a year and half. Naturally my sister and he had a lot in common and similar friends, but Tommy and I actually got/get along quite well.

Tommy was a chubby baby and kept his baby belly until he was about 10. I totally remember him losing his belly and turning into more of an adolescent/man. It was weird. Of course I was about 16, so what wasn't weird.

He is getting married on Saturday. It is sort of odd, different, interesting thinking that my baby brother will be married. I mean he is totally old enough (and some would say, "what took you so long"), but he is still 18 in my eyes.

He has asked the guests at his rehearsal dinner to put their two cents in and tell a story about he or Jenn or some marriage advice. Of course in the schedule of the evening, he has only allowed an hour for eating and story telling. I am wondering if he thinks if he only plans an hour for this, he will get off easily. Knowing 1/2 the crowd that is going (extremely well) he will not be adhering to his schedule. Our side of the family likes to talk and make fun of and expound on things. He could be in for a long night. I could tell you what I have in mind, but in the odd chance that he reads my blog before then (or ever?), I can't risk it. Instead I will tell you what I am not saying, because being all serious and gushy in public (especially when I get a chance to "roast" him) is really not me.

Tommy, On this eve of your wedding to Jenn, I want to tell you how proud I am of you and that I am impressed with the man you have become. Technically in my eyes, you will never be a "man", but I am willing to concede to boy/man. It's easy to see you still as a boy because you like your trucks, your lawn tools, making things in yards now (where once it was the beach) and your love of adventure. I can still picture you playing fetch in the backyard with Todd. I am sorry that I was too old to keep an eye on you in HS. I am so happy that you got to go to Waterville Academy and ski all winter instead of being in regular HS (although at the time, I was a little jealous).  I miss that we don't live closer and I hope when you have a passel of kids, you come visit often. (I love little kids that you can hand back to their parents). Plus you will have built in babysitter cousins for the little nuggets.

Jenn is a lucky girl to have you as her husband. Just remember to tell her often what she means to you. Remember to do your own thing, but to reconnect at the end of the day and be proud of each other. And remember that it is important every once and awhile to feel as good as that day you were wearing your Vaurnet shirt, your cool shorts with the white side stripe, your tube socks and you were the cat's ass (haha, pun intended) as the head of the school (6th grade).

Love you millions xoxo