Thank You God for Marty!

Today is a very special day for our family. Forty six years ago today, my oldest brother, Marty, joined our family. I can only imagine the joy Mom and Dad felt as they brought Marty home that day so long ago. You see, they didn’t think they could have children. They had tried for thirteen years with no progress. They adopted Marty, at almost eight months old, and within a few months, Mom was pregnant with Steve! Then a few years later she became pregnant with me, and then with Pat! I’ve always believed that God wanted Marty to be a part of our family, and I tell him that each year this day rolls around. If God wouldn’t have wanted him to be a part of our family, Mom and Dad would have conceived right away, and there would have been no need to adopt a child.

I’m so glad God had Marty in His plan for our family!

Marty is six years older than me. He’s always been a great “big” brother. He was just old enough to not want to have his little sister hanging around too much though as we were growing up. But we rarely fought with each other. I knew I could always count on him as we were growing up, just as I know I can count on him to be there for me today. I can remember how proud of him I was when he graduated from high school…I was in 7th grade. I remember how I had a crush on one of his friends! 🙂 I’m sure he wasn’t thrilled with that at the time, but he never let me know that. 🙂

As “grown ups” I am so completely happy and proud to call him my brother. It seems as

if EVERYONE knows who Marty is! When people find out my maiden name, the comment usually is, “Well, I know Marty.” Or the question is, “Are you related to Marty?” He’s one of the friendliest people you’ll ever meet, and he’ll do anything for you. He’s a hard worker, a great provider for his family, and he’s a lot of fun. I love his laugh, and his smile!

Marty taught me how to water ski and snow ski. He is a pro at both! I remember so many fun times doing both with him when we were both still single. The ski trip to Afton Alps was such a memorable trip…my first time without falling down a black diamond hill! I’ll never forget it! 🙂

Marty, like all of us siblings, had a close relationship to our mom and dad. They always made this day very special for Marty, and I’m sure each year he misses them greatly on this day. I vividly remember what a “rock” Marty was on the day of Mom’s funeral just two years ago. He was like a beacon of light for our family that day. Many of my friends commented to me that day on how impressed they were with Marty.

Marty has a special place in Zach’s heart as he is Zach’s Godfather. Zach thought it was pretty cool when Marty called Zach one day during Christmas break to see if Zach would help him and his girls get their Wii going. He sure had fun doing that with Marty that day! He still talks about it every now and then.

I love Marty! I give thanks to God today for bringing Marty into our family so many years ago. I can’t imagine our family without him in it! He is so special to God and to me!