Brother Bravery

The first fight I ever remember seeing, took place on the playground 

of my school when I was in first grade.

I was spinning around on "the bars", as they called them,

and a 5th grader and known bully, walked up and started throwing a football 

at me and a couple of the other girls playing there.

He hit me hard and I started to cry.

Within about a minute, my brother, a 4th grader, was there beside me.

Someone had told him I'd been hurt, and he was checking on me,

...and then he asked me who did it.

I pointed to the boy, who was bigger and older than my brother,

and the next thing I knew,

my brother had thrown his jacket off 

and was challenging this boy to a fight.

He didn't wait for him to answer. 

He let him know that he crossed the line when he hit his sister.

I watched in shock. My brother took on this boy...for me.

My brother, who was known as a kind boy...

was going to tear this bully up. 

I loved him more in that moment than I ever had before.

A teacher showed up quickly and broke up the fight.

And then, almost even worse,

the boys were taken to the dreaded "Principal's Office".

I yelled that he was protecting me,

that the boy was bad...

but both of them were taken away.

It was back in the days when a Principal had a paddle...

and everyone feared it.

I watched him walk away, and I cried again.

This time it was for what might be coming his way.

As it turned out, the Principal was a wise man.

He listened to the story of "why" it had happened,

and he understood boys...and honor. 

He just made them shake hands and make up, which they did.

They never fought again, and I don't remember that boy giving

anyone else any trouble. 

I know things would be handled differently now, 

but I'm not sure the results would be any more successful.

My big brother has always been there for me. I've always known he had my back.

I can't say that I've done the same. 

I'm the younger one, and a girl,

and all too often, I didn't think that way,
but he did.

When our mom passed away last summer,

my big brother took care of everything...once again,

 just as he always had, because that's the kind of person he is.

He's experienced his fair share of trials.
For those who might remember, a few years ago, his son Jordan,
lost his legs when he stepped on an IED in Afghanistan. It is difficult

to watch your own child going through such pain.
We were thankful that Jordan survived.
He had a long, hard road ahead of him, which he has walked 

with dignity, never giving up. He is doing well now.

Earlier this year, my brother was diagnosed with cancer.

That terrible disease that everyone hates. Cancer is an awful word.

He has undergone radiation and chemo,

and thankfully, his prognosis looks good, but the treatment has been hard.

I am so proud of him for facing this cancer bully...

and fighting it just like he fought the bully on the playground so many years ago.
He too, has faced this challenge head-on, with dignity.

A few days ago I was able to hang out with him.
I'm so thankful that he's starting to feel better,

and especially thankful for the best big brother God could've ever provided...

I love you Kev!!

There is a song I want to share by NeedtoBreathe called "Brother".

The words express the love and thankfulness I have for my big brother.

And it describes the brother he's always been to me.
The one who's there for you, no matter what. 

Please listen, it's beautiful. The lyrics are included below.

"Brother"

Ramblers in the wilderness we can’t find what we need
Get a little restless from the searching 
Get a little worn down in between
Like a bull chasing the matador is the man left to his own schemes
Everybody needs someone beside em’ shining like a lighthouse from the sea

Brother let me be your shelter
I’ll never leave you all alone
I can be the one you call
When you’re low
Brother let me be your fortress
When the night winds are driving on
Be the one to light the way
Bring you home

Face down in the desert now there’s a cage locked around my heart
I found a way to drop the keys where my failures were 
Now my hands can’t reach that far
I ain’t made for a rivalry I could never take the world alone
I know that in my weakness I am strong, but
It’s your love that brings me home

Brother let me be your shelter
I’ll never leave you all alone
I can be the one you call
When you’re low
Brother let me be your fortress
When the night winds are driving on
Be the one to light the way
Bring you home

And when you call and need me near
Sayin' where'd you go?
Brother I'm right here
And on those days when the sky begins to fall
You're the blood of my blood
We can get through it all

Brother let me be your shelter
I’ll never leave you all alone
I can be the one you call
When you’re feelin' low
Brother let me be your fortress
When the night winds are driving on
Be the one to light the way
Bring you home

Brother let me be your shelter
I’ll never leave you all alone
I can be the one you call
When you’re low
Brother let me be your fortress
When the night winds are driving on
Be the one to light the way
Bring you home
Be the one to light the way
Bring you home

...I love you Kevin :)
Signed,
Your Little Sister