Dear Tim -- Happy 60th Birthday!!
I have so many great memories of my big brother, it is hard to know where to start. From way back to my early years, I remember your being so creative, inventive, and smart, and not afraid to tackle any challenge, no matter how big or small. Whether it was putting a remote control motor in my Barbie's car, building a go-cart, assembling a motorcycle, or making a dune buggy from scratch, you were ready to tackle the project and I was standing somewhere nearby to watch it happen, maybe hand you a tool when needed, and eventually reap the benefits of your work. I always knew that if something might not work the first time, you would never, ever give up until you made it work. You taught me a lot about thinking outside of the box, working hard to accomplish a goal, and never giving up until it was reached.
I remember many challenging games of ping pong, pool, chess and euchre, sometimes well into the wee hours of the morning. Being the die hard competitors that we are, neither of us wanted to give up without some victories under our belts. Sometimes there was talk of lucky chairs, lucky hats, lucky cue sticks, etc. that made us all laugh a lot. You taught me how to play competitively, but graciously, and to have fun in the process.
I remember your teaching me how to play the guitar - painstakingly showing me how to play various chords and picking patterns, and staying up half the night until I finally got it. We played together and sang together, and have shared lots of music together over the years. You taught me not to be afraid to try something new, to not be embarrassed during the learning process, and to keep trying until I finally had it mastered. Thank you for helping develop my love of music.
And then there's our mutual love of water and boating, and all that goes along with it. Fun in the sun, swimming, tubing, navigating the inland waterway, and hanging out on the lake. There's just nothing better!
And last, but not least, you have demonstrated your love for God, your desire to follow Christ, and your servanthood in helping others - whether fixing a car, building a set for a church production, singing in the choir, or being the "go to" person when something needs to be done. Thank you for demonstrating your love for God and others in such tangible ways.
Thank you for being such a wonderful brother, teacher,
helper, example and, most of all, my friend.
I love you,
Becky
