April 10th... His birthday.

Today was a HARD day for me. My heart is heavy... April 10th - my brother's birthday. He would have been 23 today. 

I spent half the day imagining what we would have done if he were still here... I had plenty of ideas, but I settled on one. I would have taken him to the shooting range. :) I think he would have really liked it! I would have surprised him and I wouldn't have told him where we going. I can see the smile spreading across his face once he realized where we were and what we'd be doing... I can imagine us competing to see who shot the best. I know I would have won! ;) Come on... I'm the big sister. What other possible outcome is there? ... Well, I suppose I might have let him win, since it's his birthday. .... Maybe. ;)

I imagined what I would have bought him... I ALWAYS loved shopping for him. I imagined how he would have smiled so big, and said, "Thanks LaCrea"... and I spent the other half of the day, reminiscing on birthdays of old... To say I "miss" my brother barely touches on the hole left in my life, without him. I am so acutely aware of his absence. Oh, just to hug him... one more time.
I love you, Brother. Your birthday is truly a day worth celebrating. ♥ I miss you DEARLY. I wish we would have had more time... I miss your love, your voice, your smile, your laugh... I miss our relationship. Sometimes I just close my eyes and imagine myself in your arms... I miss your hugs. ♥
In honor of my brother's birthday... please, LOVE hard. Tell your loved ones how much they mean to you - daily. Appreciate the people God has placed in your life and make time for them. You can never spend ENOUGH time with the people you love. Don't let petty arguments separate you from your family. It's not worth it. Forgive. Love them. No one can replace them once they're gone. And you NEVER know when that day will come. 

Thank you for keeping me (and my family), in your prayers. They are still very much needed and appreciated. ♥