Happy Birthday Ben

Today is my brother Ben's birthday. He is 23 years old today. That makes me feel old considering I remember the day he was born. He is the youngest out of me and Michael (who will be 27 December 2nd). Don't ask me how old I am because I will lie.

Ben's always been the underdog of our family. To say that Michael and I tortured him is putting it mildly. Looking back, I sometimes feel guilty about it, but, hey, what are big sisters and brothers for?

For instance, our family has always enjoyed watching ghostly and paranormal movies and TV programs (Still do!). All of us except Ben, that is. In the days before DVR's, families patiently awaited the night of the week that everyone's favorite shows aired so they could gather together in the living room to watch, complete with a big bowl of popcorn to fight over. We were no different. (I miss those days...)

After our weekly night of ghostly viewings, Little Ben would be afraid to go to the bathroom by himself. (I know, Ben, I'm such a turd for posting this.) He would cry and beg one of us to stand vigil outside the bathroom door so he could pee in safety.

So what did Michael and I do?

"Sure! We'll stand in the hallway and wait for you!"

Ben: "Do you promise you won't leave me?"

Us: "Sure! No problem! (evil snickers)"

We would stand at the door and wait for the sound of pee hitting toilet water, then shout, "Oops, sorry, Ben, gotta go!"
And we would run back to the living room, giggling madly.

Ben would scream out the word he is still famous for, "Mamaaaaaaaaaa!!!!!!!"
And he would stumble out of the bathroom, desparately struggling to get his pants up and running for the living room at the same time.

Michael and I got in trouble everytime we did that to him, but we considered it worth it for the laugh.

Now I could tell you about the time Michael and his buddy Stephen duct-taped Ben to the side of the van, but that wasn't where I was planning on going with this blog LOL.

Now that I think about it, it's a wonder Ben didn't need therapy because of us. I must admit though, he has grown up to be a very good man. I am very proud of him and his wife Amy.

As mature as he's become, our mom still insists on doing the cake thing for him on his birthday. Probably because he's the youngest. I laugh about it now, but I will find out for myself in a few years when my kids are older. So here's a video clip of me, Mom, Amy, Adreine, and Jacob singing Ben Happy Birthday.

I love you, Beevo!



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