carrying those in need

Dear Mason, 

Just over a week ago, all 4 of us were crammed into the front seat of the white flatbed pickup.  There wasn't really a need for a seat belt, and the road we were on was one that sees little traffic - especially on Christmas Eve.

It was an afternoon like any other afternoon, and we were filling water troughs and checking fences.  The sun was shining in the brightest of ways and the afternoon light was filled with warmth even though the ground was as cold and hard as can be.

We turned left where we usually turn right and found ourselves at the troughs in the southwest corner of the Simpson's stubble field with big puddles and enough mud to make any little boy happy.  You cheered for joy when you saw the biggest puddle of all and didn't even wait for the pickup to come to a complete stop.

Probably less than 4 seconds passed, and Mack realized that we had forgotten his muck boots. I cringed and so did you. Here you were - right on the edge of a whole bunch of Christmas Even fun and only one of you was going to really be able to enjoy it.

But before I could even come up with a suggestion - you had it all figured out.

I think when you're a brother, these things just come to mind naturally - without the slightest hesitation - because you don't like to do much alone and it's always more fun with two.

What I was most impressed with was that there was no hesitation for you to carry Mack around on your back. It didn't matter how heavy he was or how uncomfortable it may have been - you just wanted him with you.  You didn't want him to miss the chance at free joy and I know in your heart, you knew it was worth the extra "weight."

Thank you for having strong arms and legs, and an even  stronger love for your brother.  You're not always the kindest or gentlest big brother, but at just the right times and in just the right ways, you are able to say I love you without saying a word.

May you always look for ways to carry those in need of joy - especially your brother,

Mom