More Than a Brother

To My Brother on His Birthday You’ve been to me a brother and a friend A great support and comfort through the years The sadness of my life with joy you blend And when I cry, you help to wipe the tears To childlike eyes you were the hero great I stood amazed at strength and boyish skill As King and Queen we played to challenge fate Our little games, a source of wondrous thrill You made me want to be the very best To rise above the challenges of life The bar you raised and helped me pass the test And made me thrive despite the inner strife Much more than brother, dear, you are to me You are a source of strength and constancy Eileen Manassian June 18, 2015 8:11 am My brother, Armond, is four years older than I am. It's his birthday today, and I wrote a little sonnet in his honor. He wrote a lovely poem for me on my fortieth, which is framed and hanging on my wall. I can't describe the source of inspiration that Armond is to me. He is an intellectual giant. He has his doctorate in Accounting from the University of Calgary. He is a fantastic teacher. Everything he sets his mind on doing, he can do. I've lived in his shadow in more ways than one! ;) He plays the piano better than I do...when he joined my French class, he outdid me. He's just amazing. Recently, he attended my MA thesis defense and just knowing he was there gave me courage. :) He has always been there to help me with my struggles, and I'm truly blessed to have him in my life. :)