Geoff...the Big Brother

What's my first memory of Geoff? Well, that's obviously hard to say for sure, but it probably wasn't the time when Mom came into our room and he was standing on me. I was only a few weeks/months old, but I've heard that story a few times and it feels as if it's my memory now, too. My earliest real memory that I think I can remember was he and I camping outside our house in Winterville, GA and then it started raining...really hard. But I remember that before Dad came and rescued us, we were in it - together. Us versus the elements, and Geoff (if memory serves) didn't want to give up and go inside, but I'm pretty sure that I did. That hasn't changed much, as Geoff continues to defy all logic and sense and live in Vermont, year round...still battling the elements after all these years! He always has been the better outdoorsman, a true 'country mouse' to my 'city mouse.'
Sure, we went through the years as kids when we wrestled and fought constantly as all brothers do, or when he tried (unsuccessfully) to sell me his toys - but I also remember the hours and hours of playing with GI Joe and Star Wars toys, building amazing forts and legos. Here's a funny side story - this summer I saw "GI Joe" in the theater (don't ask) and it brought me back to those early days in our childhood, and I told Erin that I loved that movie not because it was a great movie, but because it was exactly the movie that Geoff and I would have written as 9 and 11 year old little boys making their own GI Joe adventures. It was just plain fun, and reminded me of those early "GO JOE!" years.

As Geoff and I have gotten older, we've grown much closer than we ever were before. Having children has brought us even closer together as we talk about our own 'styles' for raising our kids. And not surprisingly, we're pretty darn similar. We both still have that inner kid inside of us that allows us to have fun with our children, and to just be silly. And Geoff's silliness is one of the things that makes him such a great father to Sage and Ivy and a wonderful uncle to Finn. He's also incredibly sweet, caring, nurturing and kind, as evidenced by his first visit to see Finn after he was born. (These are the pictures I've posted) He selflessly came down and made Erin and I wonderful food and spent quality time with his new little nephew. We hope that he can do that same thing for "Dumpling" in May, or at least just come and cook Calzones for us! We'll never forget those days when he came down and filled our stomachs with delicious food and our hearts with love for how selfless he was to do all of this for us!
































It's hard to believe that Geoff is now turning 40, it does seem like just yesterday that we were teenagers sharing that old orange Chevette...but even more fun than playing with action figures and camping in our backyard has been watching Geoff become more than just a great brother. Watching him become a great teacher, a great gardener, a great builder, a great farmer, a great son, and most importantly a great husband and great father gives me something to strive for, and I know that he'll always be there to help me do just that.


Thanks, 'bro.
Love,
Andy