My brother and I are 14 months apart, but people have often mistaken us for twins. I had always tried to assert myself as the older sibling, declaring the right to be first and to pave the way ahead. Though when I looked over my shoulder David would be right there, catching up, growing faster and eventually even bigger than me! His life always seemed to follow and parallel mine just a year behind.

When I learned to talk, he learned a year and a half later.
When I learned to ride my bike....well, actually he was pretty smart and coordinated and learned faster than I did!
In grade school, he'd have the same teacher the year after me.
In swimming lessons, he'd be my color level a year after me.
In day camp, he'd have the same counsellor a year after me.
He got his driver's license just after I did.
He entered high school and university right behind me.

When I was little, I would sometimes get annoyed with this because it always seemed like he was catching up to me and I just couldn't get ahead fast enough. But now that I reflect on how close we are in age and more recently close in friendship, I realize what a blessing it has been to have him right behind me. Through him, I've had the pleasure of being reminded of important life milestones as our family celebrated for David's accomplishments only a year after me. First communions, 16th birthdays, graduations, and now....engagements.

It's been 24 years of being right behind me, and I couldn't be happier. Congratulations dear brother and to your lovely bride-to-be.