Ode to the Bros

Brothers.. How many do you have? I have seven. Seven. Blood of my blood, flesh of my flesh.                

I have a very different relationship with each one of them. As I become an adult, I get to see different sides of them, not just as my brothers but as people. When you are a kid, you just think they are your brother. Not much more. Oh, how wrong we are. Each one of them have played a special role in my life thus far. They are wonderful, strong, smart and let us not forget awesome human beings. I mean..they have to be to be related to the Trifecta Dahlke Girl Trio right? (Yeah, look for that blog in the future.)

Baby boy turns 18 on Sunday, officially making the Dahlke clan "adults." And by official, naturally I mean that as only in the governments eyes, because lets be honest... That'll never happen. This kid is wise beyond his years. He is my one and only little brother yet he is anything but little. He very well could be one of the strongest people I know, and he hasn't even reached adulthood yet. And no, I am speaking of more than just his gigantic thighs. ;)

I just got done talking to my brother, Isaac on Facebook. As tears stream down my face, I thank God for such a small blessing this week. One might wonder why this is such a big deal. Isaac is in the Navy and on a ship somewhere(currently in Singapore, he said). We don't hear from him often and even an email can completely turn my week around. This is humorous to me because we used to not be allowed in the same room due to the amount of angst we had for each other. He is one of my best friends now.

Gabriel is the music guy of the fam. He took on a huge role in my life when Luke died. He did a great job in the beginning of really stepping in to be sure the 3 younger siblings had a big brother around still. Thank you for that.. I feel like when it comes to personalities, we are most alike which has its ups and downs. I love knowing that no matter what bullheaded, stubborn things come our way, we still are able to hug and say I love you.

I had the pleasure of really getting to know Jake this past year when I lived in Denver. He is the guy I would go to if I ever needed anything complex explained. I also am the proud godmother of his daughter, Phalen. He is super chill and super easy to love. He and Erin had a huge part in my survival of last summer. I don't think I have laughed so hard in my life as I did one night last summer with him.

Josh had a huge impact in my life back when we lived in Nebraska at the same time years ago. He helped me decided whether to go to school or continue to be homeschooled. I had the honor of seeing him graduate his residency in California a few years ago. I am so insanely proud of him. We just found out he is having his 3 child this summer! :) Not to mention his crazy, good taste in music.

Dan. Big D. Dan the Man. Macho Man Dan. :) This guy. I really loved having him in the house growing up. He took us "younger kids" out to the movies and bought us candy. I loved visiting him in Seattle and going to a Mariners game. He is the sports guru. I look forward to making more memories now that we live so close to each other.

Luke. Luke died 9 years ago. Not a day. Not a single day goes by that I don't think of him. I guess the true depth of  a sister's love can be tested when her brother is taken away. The scariest part for me is that I don't get to make new memories with him..and the old ones fade more and more each year that passes. He was a part of my childhood, and actually part of my adulthood too. He has helped me become the person I am today by teaching me by living his 16 short years. Not a day goes by...

So this dear brothers, is for you. For the past, the present and the future of our lives together as family, I pray we continue to grow, love, laugh and cry together. Thank you.

Karma

My brother Jake recently told me that because I survived last year, and completed my contract, karma is paying me back now. I could agree with that. My new job is so wonderful. I work for beautiful people who have beautiful children and I am honored to be a part of their beautiful lives. How often do we take advantage of the simple act of loving our children? I think every parent "loves" their child, however, I think there is a different type of love that goes into truly loving a child. This is something I never knew until last year. I got an odd phone call last night. It was from a lady looking for a nanny. She received my number via a reference. I was taken back for some reason. My cup runneth over. I never thought I would find myself in a position that I wouldn't even think twice about turning down a job opportunity. I am so happy in my current position of my career that nothing could tempt me from it. Luckily, I could give her a good reference to my friend, Anna. I pray this could be an opportunity to brighten up her life. I just found it funny how things can go full swing like that.

Today

Today I woke up. Today I kept breathing. Today I kept living. Today I survived.

Nine years ago a young boy took his last breath. Not a day goes by that I don't think of him and not smile. Time has healed the sting, but the dull pain never goes away. Like a scab, I will let myself pick at it here and there but as soon as the cut appeared, I knew it would scar.

L.C.K.D 1-10-2003