Sad but Proud

Today is my baby brother's birthday (my only brother).

My brother and I at my wedding in 2008

He turns 40, yes he is now a big boy and can officially join the ranks of adulthood.
He has survived, he has made it. He has fallen down and broken things, fractured things and crashed things but he is still here and is alive & kicking his way forward.
I am very proud of most of the things he has done and achieved over the years, ok there a few down right stupid things he has done but we will forgive him those minor indiscretions.

This also means that it is a sad day for my parents as both of their kids are now in their 40's and that means their kids are no longer babies, to some extent (although I know it never stops) their job is done. Although I think we both still have mum on speed dial.
They can both be very proud that they have grown 2 super children to adulthood. They have gotten us both through the trials and tribulations of childhood, university, first loves, 2nd loves and even 3rd, 4th and 5th loves!
They have watched us move countries, leave their side and grow by ourselves.
They have been there to support us when we finally found the 'one' and celebrate us both getting married.

Iain, Mum, me and Dad

As my brother and I are both very obliging, we have happily produced 4 grandsons between us (sadly no girls) and they know have the pleasure of watching us grow these little people, although they are not so little either ranging in age from 7 to 11.

So happy birthday to my brother, may you survive another 40 years and just keep on growing with age.

My Little Brother

My little brother, who actually is not so little anymore! lives with his family in Rotorua.

When he moved here 4 years ago he decided to join the volunteer firefighters.
He successfully went through all his training and has been an active fire fighter since then.

I sometimes just take it for granted that he does this special job on top of his normal everyday job.
I know he gets called out everynow and then. I am aware that he gets called to car crashes and fires but because I am not in the same town talking to him daily it is not part of my everyday thought process.

However when they tell you (on the news) of a large fire in Rotorua that is using all resources they have available there plus a few appliances from neighbouring towns, then you know he will probably be there.

Quick check with his wife and our mum and yes it is confirmed, my baby brother is out there in his uniform, fighting that fire in the town centre. Has been since 6 this morning.

When you then see the following picture on the news it makes you realise just what he does, as a volunteer, because he wants to....

He has a very understanding boss. If he gets 'called out' outside of work hours and he is late for work then his boss is fine, his boss would prefer he didn't answer the call during work hours and that is fair enough, as a volunteer you only attend the station during the hours that you are available.
However on a day like today, when you answer the call at 6am and you are still not at work by 10.30am then you have to have a very understanding boss who understands that once you are at a fire or crash you can't leave and that you will be there when available.

So to my little brother...I am very proud of you, I regularly forget what you go up against when you are called out, but when it is shown on the news, then it hits home just what a special job you do, because you want to, not because anyone is paying you to.

Way to go little brother.

Other times he is just down right disgusting!!

Birthday Wishes

Happy Birthday to you,
Happy Bithday to you,
Happy Birthday dear brother
Happy Birthday to you.......

If you are going to be X amount old today....then that makes me....!? Hum No I am not that old...am I??
Oh well, have a great day, catch up with you soon to give you your present.

For a Reason

I am a firm believer in things happening for a reason.
It was meant to be as far as I am concerned.
Ok I haven't quite found the reasons behind the really bad stuff like death, destruction and war, but there has to be a reason somewhere?
If you go for a job, then if it was meant to be yours then it will be, but if not then someone had a better plan for you.

Sadly my brother has just lost his job. I kinda wish it wasn't meant to be but it is that typical saying "when one door closes another one opens" well that seems to be just what is happening with him.
He had a big talk with our dad last night and already several little options have come to light, now ok, nothing may come of either thing but it gives him hope. It allows him time to think things through sensibly.
He has already thought about a different direction, something that flows on from some things he is already doing on a part time basis as a hobby. So even though it is not nice, maybe this was meant to be, this was the push he needed to change direction.

When he moved to New Zealand just over 18 months ago, it was on the understanding that I sponsored him for his visa and this meant he was not allowed to claim benefit from the Goverment for the first 2 years.
Well now he is unemployed guess who has to support him!? Well at least according to the Goverment.
Maybe I will send him a food parcel at the weekend, isn't that enough support? 1 a month for the next 6 months should see him through nicely?

Happy Birthday

Happy Birthday to you,

Happy Birthday to you,

Happy Birthday dear Iain,

Happy Birthday to you....

Yes, happy 36th birthday to my baby brother. Well my only brother actually.

Hope you have a super day.

Although I am a little concerned because if you are now 36, then what does that make me?

Fireman

My brother has become a volunteer firefighter since he moved here last year.

It is a huge committment, especially with a young family and work.

But still he has stuck by it and is having a great time with it.

This picture is of him putting out a scrub fire.

Way to go little brother, very proud of you.

Brotherly Love

Last night after putting the boys in bed to read before lights out, I heard a funny sound coming from their room.

So I went to investigate and this is what I found.........

Ben reading to his brother.

Now Ben can't read, but that doesn't matter with this book as it is an I spy with pictures, and all the pictures are of Thomas the Tank Engine and Friends.