Brothers

I am a lucky gal. I have an amazing sister and although I didn't grow up with brothers, I've since been given the gift of brothers. My very good friend Matt is like an older brother to me. I've known him for more than 10 years, and have been through a lot of ups and downs with him. We've known each other through boyfriends, through living abroad, through new jobs, through new homes, through his parents' divorce and through my mom's death. He is one of my dearest friends, and I am so thankful to have him in my life.

With Matt, came Adam and Brendan. His brothers. They became my friends too. What I love the most is seeing how different they all are. I love and appreciate each of them for their own uniqueness and for their own traits. I love that they each have their own lives and are happily pursuing their dreams. I love watching them come together and I love being a part of their family. I also love what each of them bring out in me.

I save my small knowledge of pop culture for Matt, and get fashion tips and celebrity gossip from him. He is one of the best traveled people I know and I'm always trying to meet up with him in some exotic location. He is the best person to go shopping with, and is one of the most stylish people I know. I love that I can talk about anything with Matt. I appreciate that I can be myself around Matt. Matt is fiercely loyal and incredibly generous with his loved ones. Matt and I can be in different time zones and a world away and not talk for weeks and then just pick up right where we left off...

Adam is someone I look to for inspiration. Adam inspires me to get out of the city and to spend more time outdoors. I respect Adam's ability to make a difference in the lives of so many people. I love reading about the trips and hikes he takes and goes on with his dad and mom, and I find myself envious of his close relationship with them both. I have utter respect for Adam's incredible independence.

And Brendan. He has the distinction of not just being like a brother to me, but a younger brother. Brendan is who I go to when I need to feel young again. When I want to hear how much my alma mater has changed since I graduated, and the person that makes me dig up old college pictures and memories. He's also who I go to when I want to be someone's big sis. Brendan has been politically charged since he was young, and is going to have a place in politics. Brendan is going to change the world. He is a natural leader and is already rallying his friends and peers, getting them out there and educating people an issues that matter most to him.

I am thankful for Matt, and for his friendship. But I'm also forever indebted to him for sharing his family with me as well. I absolutely cherish my time with this family of mine and hope for many many more good memories with them.

And in the meantime, Happy Birthday Brendan!!