When I was a senior in high school, the Spring play was this crazy, made-up, sketch show about equality and diversity.  Everyone in the play was white except one Hmong girl so we had to interpret "diversity" as different types of personalities.  It was called "The World As We Know It."  It had everything: interpretive dance, a clarinet duet, attempted suicide by a call-in radio host, and me and my brother.  My brother was a freshman and until we were in the play together, I didn't really get along very well with him.  In short, he drove me nuts.  Doing the play together did succeed in bringing us closer together and as lame public service message about getting along, I guess it did it's job.  We weren't bff's or anything, but we were definitely more tolerant of each other.  

In 1997, my brother and his then-wife had their first son, Darren.  I was honored to be asked to be his godmother.  I was in the Army at the time and the baptism was when I came home on leave before going to my permanent duty station.  I believe that Darren's birth was what really matured my brother.  I can't point to what made me an adult, but I really think that his son is what made Aaron.  Ever since then, we are much closer.  I'd even call us friends.  He has a wonderful wife, two terrific sons and a beautiful one-year-old daughter and I feel blessed to have him as a brother.  

Here we are last year, celebrating his 30th birthday.  Happy Birthday little brother!