Monday, October 16, 2006

Baby Brother

My brother Matt turns 27 today. Today, I count him as one of my best friends and most trusted advisers. It took 27 years for this to happen.

I remember -

The day he was born. My sister Carin and I stayed overnight at our grandfather's. My brother owns that house now. When the bus came, we bragged to everyone about him. I still brag to people all the time about him. He's a superstar in my book.

That he used to have a flat spot on the back of his head from slamming it into the high chair when he was angry. Why my parents had a wooden high chair with no padding I have no idea.

That his hair was almost blonde and he had freckles as a child and we called him "Mr. Matt." He is still sorta charming. Even if women think we are the same age!

Calming him as a child when he got night terrors. Not sure what he was upset about, but my kids get them too now and then, and I'm glad I learned early that all it takes is a few soothing words and a rub on the back.

Bringing him to Cabrini when he was about 9 or 10. He stayed over for Family Night or something like that. It's not true at all that he developed his taste for beer that weekend.

Taking him to his first Temple Football game at the Vet. He was also about 10. Mostly he wanted to see MC Hammer. No, Temple didn't win that day. No, they have not won since.

Realizing when he was in high school that he is a better writer than I am. Took a while to admit that one, but it's pretty clear today.

Moving him into Temple. You couldn't get a room on the SECOND floor?

Being incredibly jealous when he took a semester in Rome. It was SO much easier for him being the third kid. I can just imagine what Mom and Dad would have said if I had suggested that i was going to study abroad.

Enjoying the afternoon at the Duke-Temple game this past year. And all the beers and ball games along he way.

Seeing how much my children love him, I know one day he will be a good father. I think.

Matt, have a great day! You are a great guy and I wish you nothing but happiness as you creep toward 30. I hope you learn from my example, rather from my mistakes!

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Matt said...

thanks older bro, for the post and the memories along the way.

i can't imagine how much it must have sucked to share a bedroom with someone so much younger. well, i have a pretty good idea, as you frequently mentioned it. one highlight from those days was when scott, for whom you had many nicknames, just as we do now, poked his head up and you kicked it. that was a good one.

i've learned a lot from your examples--great beer tastes, being a fan of most sports, and always striving to achieve--to name a few. that last one was important; with an older brother and sister who excelled academically and didn't get in as much trouble as i did put a lot of pressure on me, in a good way, to buckle down. this was very influential when i went to school.

i always appreciated the help moving in and out of the dorms, which only took place on days of extreme temperature. those days are very symbolic of help you've given me on many days, always happy to do it.

i've been to hundreds of concerts. that mc hammer one was the first, so it was you who got me started on that.

finally, i am thankful that you and carin wore mom and dad out so that i could skate a bit!

Chris said...

I am TRYING to like the Flyers. Trying!!! Soccer, though, ain't happening.

It still makes me smile to think of you jumping around at The Vet. HAMMERTIME!!!

Walklett said...

Night terrors. What a sissy.

I'll take MC Hammer over a Temple football game any day of the week. Isn't he Temple's QB now? If not he should be.

Happy B'day Matt.

Chris, I'll get your link up on my blog right away. I didn't realize anyone other than Matt and Scott read my crap.

Walklett said...

Give soccer a chance. You just have to watch the right games. I'll be the first to admit watching soccer is boring, but few sporting events are better than an intense match between two highly skilled clubs/countries with the crowd roaring and chanting the entire game.

Chris said...

Dan -

Thanks for the link - I have added you as well!

I think the thing that makes a great soccer game great is when the grass grows that extra milimeter in the 18th minute of the second half.

Of course no one in the stadium knows it's the 18th minute because the only guy with the official time is the ref on the field. He decides he gaem is over based on who paid him the most and when the next flight out of town is.

The roaring and chanting is also done by these folks at cock fights and NASCAR events.

Matt said...

@DW, you shut up! maybe mommy will bring you some warm milk...

maaaaaaaamm... bring me some millllk... booo hooo