“To the outside world we all grow old. But not to brothers and sisters. We know each other as we always were. We know each other’s hearts. We share private family jokes. We remember family feuds and secrets, family griefs and joys. We live outside the touch of time.” ~Clara Ortega
Today I wanted to write a little something for my younger brother
because today is his BIRTHDAY.
Nathan was a great athlete in H.S. and played sports all through school. When he graduated, his art teacher wrote this poem for him and added it to a big collage that he made to honor the seniors. When I read it, I think of Nathan, my little spitfire brother who was NEVER STILL. Oh the things that boy has broken through the years! (remember the ceiling fan, Nate?!?) This poem also refers to Nathan’s favorite football team, the RAMS, who were winning so many games at that time. . . .I can imagine Nathan probably went to school talking about those games to anyone who would listen. . . . . .
The years march on
and with them fall the reasons
why we marvelled at the day,
the feats, the game, the season.
(nate and his wife, melissa)
Accomplishment was theirs, not ours;
yet, the best they could do
could not hold a candle to or
touch the likes of you.
(my brothers and my sons: Jacob, David, Nathan, Caleb, Isaac, David, and Ethan–a whole lot of Bible boy names!)
(rich, me, melissa, nate)
As they were light upon the screen
you were live at hawking guard;
as charged as any I have seen,
you ruled the pace, you ran them hard.
(nathan with his baby girl)
Kurt will gray and so will you
he’ll end up in the hall
But I for one will not forget
when Bales stole the ball.
Nathan was a young boy when I got married so when I think of my memories of him, it transports me back to my childhood days. Now I am jolted back to the present and realizing that Nathan is a married man now, and a father! My wish for Nathan on his birthday is for him to know that his big sister loves him very much and that I hope and pray that he continues to live his life to honor and glorify God with everything that he does. It makes me so happy to see you with your home and family, Nate, and I want you to know that I am proud of you and am here for you always. Family forever!
Good to be Home 
Loving tribute from a proud big sissy!
This brought be to tears! What a great post devoted to Nate!
good tribute!!!!
I am sure this will mean so much to him when he reads this!
A very special tribute ~ I know it will bless his day ~
This makes me smile, such wonderful love for your brother….luv the shot of “the guys”
what a sweet post to your brother…looks like a happy family~
What a beautiful tribute to your brother!
Hi Shanda,Thank you for the nice comment you left me awhile back. I also was a stay-at-home mother of 5 … homeschooled them all for 21 years. Now I am Grammie of almost 8! I have a daughter named Grace (I noticed you like anything about that word. ) I’ve looking through your latest posts … NICE! Hope to get to know you better. Take Care.~Sandi~
P.S. My oldest daughter is expecting her 5th baby at the end of August. All her children will be 5 and under … and no twins! Busy mama, that one!
Happy Birthday Nate!
Shanda – he has a great smile! Sounds like he is a wonderful brother!
Gina
Happy Birthday to Nate! What a wonderful and sweet sister you are Shanda. What a beautiful family he has.
Happy Birthday Nate! He shares my sons name!
Wow once again a beautiful blog, thank you for the time and thought you put into these!
You are a wonderful big sister. What an awesome post!
This is an awesome post, especially the poem written by his teacher! The poem is a treasure! Sometimes we get the feeling that school teachers are the enemy. Some of them are……..but not all, and this teacher was a gem. Thanks for sharing.
Nice pictures!
God Bless!
Benjamin
By the way…
Good update!!!!!!!!
Ben
HAPPY BIRTHDAY to your little brother.
This was a great entry! It even brought tears to my eyes. I could see when Nathan was reading it how much it meant to him. He has definitely matured into a wonderful man and if anyone could put that into words, it is you.