Birthday wishes

My brother's birthday is today. He's 23. 15 months my junior, once the thorn in my side and now the kid that I didn't get to see grow up to be a man much braver than I.

I sent him an e-mail to all of the e-mail addresses that I have for him wishing him a happy birthday and letting him know once again he is missed and loved. Now I'm checking my e-mail for a reply that says, "Thanks sis, love and miss you too." Unfortunately I doubt that will come any time soon.

As much as my brain mulls over the subject, I know it weighs on my dad even more. I think he's starting to feel a little bit better about the situation based on a few things he's been able to put together, but he still dreams about Tom almost every night and worries about him as only a father can.

So Happy Birthday Tom. We're so proud of you and you are loved and missed dearly.