Happy Birthday Michael

Dear Michael,
I wanted to write to you and let you know how much I love you. I have been thinking a lot about you today as it is your birthday and remembering our childhood. The road to our close relationship has not always been smooth! I remember us fighting more than getting along in the junior high days.

Our fights followed two patterns. We would fight and be warned by Dad to stop. Things would escalate but I was blessed with the gift of timing and knew when to stop before punishments would be handed out. You, unfortunately were not blessed with this gift and would invariably get in trouble. I am very sorry for this.

Another predictable fight would be that fighting would insue. You would get mad and lunge for me. I ran to my room, laid on my back, and kicked my legs furiously to fend you off! As you know the most infamous example of this was when I managed to slam the door before you got to my room. You were so mad that you kicked a hole in the door! Fortunately, Dad was out of town. Unfortunately, we were trying to sell the house. Fortunately, we had a good friend who was a carpenter who fixed it before Dad got home!

Another funny memory I have is when I had just gotten my driver's license and I loved the power of being in charge of you and Lauren. You exerted your power by telling me to turn or to stop right before I had to. It sounded like you were giving me directions and it drove me crazy! I'll give you points for that one!

During college, our competition and annoyances were replaced with genuine love and admiration for each other. I am so proud of the person you are. You love our Lord and daily try to walk with Him. Your musical abilities are tremendous. I can't believe how much you were able to teach yourself by ear. You love for our family. I get choked up thinking about how much you love my boys and how much they admire you! I love you so much and I hope you have a very happy 27th birthday!
Love
Elizabeth