Happy 20th Birthday, Eric!

Written by on in Tidbits and Treats

Eric's Birthday

20 years ago today…

I hung out with my mom’s friend Karen, waiting for a call from the hospital.

Karen gave me a brunette Barbie doll, and I thought that was awesome.

But it wasn’t as awesome as the blue-green scrubs that said “Big Sister” on the back.

It wasn’t as awesome as the moment when mom came wheeling out of some big hospital room on a bed, with dad following close behind in matching blue-green scrubs, carrying a bundle of blankets.

It wasn’t as awesome as when that bundle of blankets turned out to be a baby.

And it certainly wasn’t as awesome as when that baby was put into my arms and I was told, “Jenny, this is your new little brother.”

“This is Eric.”

Dad was the first man I loved, but you were the first boy.

Eric's Birthday 3

Getting you as my brother was the best gift I’ve ever received.

Eric and Jenny

From the moment you were born we’ve had a special connection. A six-year age difference didn’t faze us in the least. We laughed together, played together and cried together.

Eric's Birthday 5

Some of my friends were annoyed with their pesky little brothers.

I wanted to hang out with mine all the time. It helped that you were really cute.

Eric's Birthday 6

And the best part was that you seemed to like me a lot, too.

Eric Birthday 2

We’ve been through a lot. YOU’VE been through a lot. I am so proud of you, not only because of the wonderful man you’re becoming but also because of the sweet and caring boy you’ve always been.

You are the best gift I’ve ever received.

Better than that brunette Barbie doll by far.

Eric's Birthday 4

I can’t believe you’re now 20 years old, but I’m excited to see what the next 20 years will bring.

Happy birthday, little bro.

Abrazos,

Your big sis

24 Comments

  2. This is so sweet! You’re probably the best older sister I’ve ever heard of. You remember so much of your brother being born and that is awesome! I remember nothing…:( Happy Birthday to your Bro!

    My brother and I have a 5 year age gap. He’s turning 21 in August. I can’t believe it. I was one of those sister’s who never wanted my brother around when I had friends over. If we were alone though, we always played together. Nothing better than having a sibling, a friend for life.

    • You are very sweet, Kelli! I couldn’t agree more about having a sibling – it truly is a friend for life. I love that you and your brother also have a bigger age gap. So many things in common!

  5. This is THE sweetest, Jenn. I loved reading about your special connection!

    Happy Birthday, Eric! Wishing you a day full of birdies and burgers (I’m still remembering our tasty post-race dinner). 🙂

    • Thank you, Karla!! Love the birdies and burgers comment – that sounds like a perfect day if you ask me. 🙂

  6. Jenny, I don’t know what to say. But I want to let you know you are the best and most caring person in my life and I won’t forget about great times we had when we were young.

  7. This is so sweet. And you were both such cuties when you were young (not that you still aren’t, but you know what I mean :))!

    As an aside, I definitely had those Jasmine pajamas. Very nice.

    • Haha, I know what you mean! Thank you, Kristie. 🙂 Love that you had those Jasmine pajamas, too. My favorite along with a similar pair that featured Belle!

    • Agreed – he is a carbon copy of my dad in both of their baby pictures!! Thanks, Melissa. 🙂

  13. Hi Jenn, your post about Eric’s birthday is one of the sweetest and most heartfelt tributes to a brother. You are an amazingly talented writer and the nicest person ever. Not so incredible given your super nice parents, whom I hope to see again this fall. Love, Catherine

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