Mike passed away 17 years ago today. I think about him so much, all year round. Today got me thinking about some things I learned by having him as a big brother though. So here are some things that come to mind.

~ It doesn’t matter if you yell shotgun, it matters who gets there first.

~ It doesn’t matter if you are watching the TV. He will change it and then punch you if you tell mom.

~ He will always be the one that farted. It will be awful and he will try to make sure you are trapped.

~ His friends will pick on you too.

~ Your friends will all have crushes on his friends, but you’ll know better. Looks mean nothing when someone is sitting on you trying to steal your sandwich.

~ Van Halen is one of the best bands ever.

~ Laughter fixes everything. There is laughter out there that will hurt your belly and make you cry in a good way. Find those people. That’s your tribe.

~ Just take the teasing and then dole that crap right back.

~ Anal beads really are the BEST stocking stuffer.

~ Snakes suck.

~ A positive attitude is all you should ever throw at life. No matter what.

~ Playing any game is hilarious with the right people.

~ Riding out a hurricane and no power for 9 days is also the best with the right people.

~ There are people who can and will eat an entire loaf of pumpkin bread, especially if there is a threat of someone else eating some.

~ A box of devil dogs is really only 2 servings, sometimes 1.

~ When you win, rub it in.

~ Advil is good for a hangover.

~ Don’t walk in wet cement.

~ Losing weight is hard, but worth it.

~ Your dates will be threatened and tortured.

~ Don’t ever shack up with a member of the opposite sex in my mother’s house.

~ Exploring the world is important, but so is coming home.

~~~~~~ And, most importantly, ~~~~~~

~ A bond between a brother and sister can’t be broken by death. There will always be signs if you look for them.❤