To Wilson.
An open letter to my brother on his 29th birthday.
Wilson,
My closest friend, my present counsel, my brother.
I am wildly proud of who you are and who you’ve become. You have become an excellent written, a clear thinker, and an excellent public communicator. You have developed deep character and wisdom. You have become an incredible brother and an true family man. I’ve said it over and over again, but watching you become a father (now of two daughters) has been one of my favorite things in the past two and half years. It has made it incredibly clear how kind, gentle, and loving you are. How present, faithful, and consistent you are. How capable you are of being a rock to so many. You are a good man, Wilson.
It was five years ago now that you told me to read Marcus Aurelius’ Meditations. Of the many things that stuck out to me upon first read, one was the literary style of the first book. As I turned the pages, I turned over in my mind a list of who I could write the same about. You were at the top.
From you, Wilson, I’ve received a lot. I’ve received an ear to my ideas. Someone to talk things over with until we’ve hit the bottom of the barrel. Whether it’s discussing how we understand US Imperialism or a wild business idea, you’ve been there and have shown up with whim and passion.
From you I’ve received a healthy understanding of drive. You’ve shown me what it looks like to want the most of life and to squeeze it for all it has while still being present and showing up for your family. You’re disciplined and controlled in this way, and I hope to be the same.
From you I’ve received gentle wisdom. You’ve never forced your will for my life on me. You never strongly push one way because it’s what you would do yourself. You always gently guide me to a conclusion that is genuinely my own.
From you I received comfort in a tumultuous time in our childhood. You were the first person with whom I processed any form of grief. You validated my feelings, allowing me to begin to explore the complex web of emotions that existed (and still exists) inside of me.
From you I’ve received true friendship. You challenge me to be a better man, you show up for me when I need a friend, you support me in my wildest dreams, and you’ve been my shoulder to cry on more than I can count. Our friendship is one of my most prized possessions in the world.
I am who I am today most notability because of you, and as I dream of what the feature holds me for, I often look at your life and say, “I hope it looks a little like that and I hope I look a little like him.”
I love you, brother. Happy birthday.
Thomas