As you can tell from this picture of me with braces, it has been quite some time since I've seen and visited with my older brother, Shpetim. I miss him and love him very much. Shpetim is my father's son with his first wife, and although we didn't grow up together, we have built a strong relationship through out these past 15 years. He lives with his family in Toronto, and when we lived in Virginia, we were able to visit each other a few times a year. I've been trying to convince him and his family to come and enjoy the warm breeze of the California autumn and leave the cold wind of Canadian soon-to-come winter. I hope he will make the trip sometime this year.
Today is his birthday. I was able to call him in the morning, and wish him happy birthday. It made him happy that I had remembered. He is a good man, and tries to choose the right. When his wife and children decided to join the church, he didn't feel ready for himself, but was very encouraging toward his family about their decision.
Shpetim reminds me so much of my father. He is very reserved and quiet, but when he needs to share an opinion he will. Just like my father, he is grounded, and his opinions are not products of rush judgment, but rather of continuous thinking and detail study of the subject.
He is hard working, and is never afraid of working any kinds of jobs. In Albania, my brother was an engineer and the president of a construction company. He also helped his wife manage a side business. They left all that behind and moved to Canada, so they could give their children a brighter future. Even in a foreign country, and without proper language skills, he has made a name for himself. He works hard and without complaining. He always tells me that if I need any changes in my life, I better start working for it. Nothing good comes easy.
I'm glad Shpetim is my brother. I'm grateful that we have a good relationship, and I've no doubt it will become stronger as the years go by. Happy Birthday, brother, and I wish you the best this coming year.
