Feliz Cumple, Pepe!

There are very few people in this world who know me really well. Granted, there are lots of people who know certain aspects of me probably better than I know myself in that respect, but those who know me very, very well? I would definitely say less than ten.

Today, one of them celebrates his birthday. He is the most sincere person I've ever met in my life. He listens to me laugh, cry, whine, complain; he sees me mope, being lazy, going crazy, acting stupid, and does it all without passing judgment. He puts me in my place when I need it (which is quite often), he extends his hand even when I try to push him away.

The first recollection I have of him is when my parents brought him home, and there I was, sitting on the couch in pajamas, the ones that are one-piece, zip-up (very "eighties"), itching to see him. Itching to see my new baby brother. And there he was, our Gordo. I was only three and a half then, and I don't think I've been quite as happy as I have since then. I had a little brother, a companion, and in some ways, a soul mate.

Pepe and I have always had an interesting friendship. I can't call it "relationship" because that's too cold. We've always been friends. Sure, we've hit our rough patches, but what tandem of siblings hasn't? We've never fought. We've never hit each other, excepting in jest. We'll ask each other advice before we even think about picking up the phone to call our friends. People to this day still can't believe how well we get along; since we've both moved to DC, our friendship continues to mature and get stronger. I suppose being away from the parents will do that, but we certainly had an amazing foundation.

BBP, feliz cumple. You know I am not good with words in either language, but I want you to know that I can't even begin to express myself as to how happy I am for you, how proud I am of you. I can't believe you're 20. It seems like just a few short days ago Mom was telling you to sit in the hula hoop (jaja) while she chased me around the yard. To have you as a baby brother is a privilege, a blessing. I love you, and I wish you nothing but the best in the coming year. All my love, BST.