Kevin - yes, of the five of us, there is a boy. I was overjoyed as I had one older and one younger sister when he was born and really wanted a brother. He was a big baby, something my parents never got over, and they told many stories about it. I am sure that since he works very hard to stay healthy now, he really appreciates hearing Dad tell those old stories about his 10+ pound baby boy.
Kevin was loved, protected and bullied by his 4 sisters. This explains two things - that he moved to Minneapolis years ago and never looked back and that he didn't marry till he was 44 years old. He dated many lovely women, but none really stuck till Lacey. He has always been a good friend for men and women alike, and treats women with respect and admiration. (this directly corrolates to the "bullied" line - you respect women because THEY HIT!)
Kevin has a group of friends that are as welcome in our family as he is in theirs. Being an only son, he created a brotherhood with many of his high school buddies and they remain a tight group today, despite their differences in occupation, education and location.
Kevin is the only performing artist of us. Although we are all quick witted and easily amused, he went to improvisation classes and regularly performs in troupes and plays - has appeared in corporate instructional videos and hosted a local cable show.
Kevin makes it a priority to stay out of the tension and friction that can develop between us sisters, mainly because he loves us all individually. There is no "I like Mary better" or "I love Liz more" because he respects and loves us each for the things we each have to offer. He loves my husband (the feeling is mutual) and they tell stories about things they did together that the rest of us are relieved we did not participate in. Ask him why he doesn't have a Purple Rain cassette.
Kevin has a deep love of his family and this is manifested in his desire to visit with each of us when he comes to Milwaukee. He makes time to see us all individually and makes you believe that he came to town just to see you.
When he and Lacey decided to marry we all wondered why...why did he finally decide to settle with someone and why would a young, exciting woman want to marry him. But when you see them together, the questions cease. They appear to be good friends and genuinely love and enjoy each other. They really have the old PDA thing down as they are always holding hands, touching arms or exchanging looks. And they laugh together...something you need to survive as a couple.
Kevin learned much from his sisters and has taught us things too. He has patience, kindness and love - he has determination, wit and a great sense of humor. He is dependable and responsible. Kevin's independence is that much more liberating for him because he knows where he is, where he is going and where he belongs.
I love my baby brother.
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