Big Little Brother

There’s a rumor that my younger brother, Ben, is turning 24. However, this is totally impossible. According to my calculations, he is still 3-years-old with curly, blond hair and an adorable smile. So, I don’t know where the rumor mill gets its facts.

I used to call him my little brother. Then he had the nerve to grow five inches taller than me. I can’t get no respect.

So now he’s my Big Little Brother.

We’ve had the typical sibling relationship, I think. I’ve been too bossy, he’s been too stubborn. We laugh, joke and tease each other. We get annoyed, argue and roll our eyes at each other. We have fun spending time together, even though we have very few of the same interests. I tell him he’s awesome and I love him. He tolerates me.

Despite being on the Autism spectrum, Ben is such a “regular” guy. He is funny, creative and capable. He makes and sells these awesome, custom walking sticks and he is a certified welder. He likes fantasy fiction and Tai Chi (not to be confused with Chai Tea). He is the hired man on my parents horse operation and Mom always says she doesn’t know what she’d do without him.

He has a fantastic, silly sense of humor and does the best impressions.

He is wonderful with animals and little kids.

And he’s an awesome Big Little Brother.

Happy Birthday, Ben!

Love, Liz

P.S. Ladies? He’s also single. Just sayin’.

In his grace, God has given us different gifts for doing certain things well. So if God has given you the ability to prophesy, speak out with as much faith as God has given you. If your gift is serving others, serve them well. If you are a teacher, teach well. If your gift is to encourage others, be encouraging. If it is giving, give generously. If God has given you leadership ability, take the responsibility seriously. And if you have a gift for showing kindness to others, do it gladly. – Romans 12:6-8 (NLT)