Play That Funky Music White Boy

31 years ago tomorrow, my brother Rick was born. According to my parents, I wasn't too thrilled about it. I was 21 months old and I wanted a sister. I must have gotten over it because I soon wanted to help (in that way that 21 month olds want to be helpful, which in reality has nothing to do with actual help). My mother, knowing that while there wasn't much I could do, and knowing that I would probably hound her until she developed a nervous twitch, came up with a plan. I could carry Rick's feet. Mom would hold him way down so I could reach up and carry his feet. I must have done this alot because while I have no memory of her being pregnant or his birth, I remember carrying his feet. When I think about it, its amazing that my mom can walk upright because she is 5' 11" so she had to have been bending all the way down to get the little guy's feet where I could reach them - helpful, remember?

Anyway, Rick got old enough to use his feet, Mom started walking upright again, and I had a sidekick. Today Rick is a lawyer and is 7 inches taller than I am. He races in triathalons - for fun! He's married to my favorite sister in law (yep, its Mindy-actually my only sister in law) and is the father to two Golden Retrievers. He can sing like an angel, cooks better than I do (which isn't saying much, but he's a great cook), and he imports Golden Griddle pancake syrup by the case (they don't sell it in Texas). What can't he do? Well, he can't dance...

But hey Rick, we love you anyway! Happy Birthday!