Most of us were raised by our parents and had siblings, brothers, and sisters that were an important part of who we are now. For some, you had a big sister, the one who taught you all that stuff your mom was too shy to talk about. But for the rest of us, the lucky ones, we had a big brother.

It’s the job of the big brother to be the protector, the one who watches out for you at school; He also serves as a buffer at home, sometimes taking the blame for minor infractions knowing the consequences; He’s a babysitter when the parents are out for the evening, controlling the TV and making sure you know your place is out of sight; Rough-houser, teaching you how to take it when he’s not around to protect you; Cheerleader, encouraging you to try out for sports or other teams; Play-mate during those winter weekends when you can’t get out of the house; Friend when things went your way or not.

My big brother Chuck is five years older than me which added a level of separation between us. Otherwise, Chuck fulfilled his duties as a big brother pretty well. The year we both got shotguns for Christmas and he would take me hunting; Walking with me to school as mom & dad were already off to work; Playing basketball in the living room despite the warnings from our parents. He fit the bill pretty well.

And later in life, Chuck was the daily caregiver to our dad when I was so far away, making sure dad was fed, had what he needed, sharing a beer at Huber’s on Saturday mornings, and keeping him involved in his family life so dad was never alone. Like us all, I owe a lot to my big brother that can never be repaid.

Today, my big brother was called home to again be with our parents and all those family members who passed before him. His loss is crushing to his wife and children, my prayers are with them. But for me, the joy of having a big brother will always be with me till my time comes to be reunited again.

A friend loves at all times, and a brother is born for adversity.

Proverbs 17:17

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