I'm the youngest of nine children. Five boys and 4 girls. I grew up in a strict but loving Catholic household where my mother was a homemaker and my father a dentist. My oldest sister was a senior in high school when I was born. Because of the vast age difference between myself and most of my siblings, it was difficult for me to really bond with any of them. The only person in my family I "got" and who "got me" was my brother Mark. He was three years older than me. We got along great. He never seemed to get annoyed at me when I tagged along or asked him to play dolls or church with me. He'd just smile and let me do the little sister thing.

And as we grew up, our relationship continued to grow and when Mark entered high school, we still remained close. He was always someone I looked up to, someone I admired, and someone I wanted to be like. He had so many of the attributes I felt I lacked: self confidence, self esteem, attractiveness, and a sense of adventure. He seemed to show no fear! Everyone loved Mark -- he was so personable, so handsome, so friendly, so creative, and such a good person. I'd find myself measuring myself against him. I had put him on a pedestal of perfection which I see now as being completely unrealistic, but at the time seemed appropriate.

I spent today with Mark and his partner at their newly built home in Madison, WI. They spent the past year designing and supervising the construction of their home. I was grateful when I finally received an invitation to see the place in person. Well, the home is incredible! So beautiful! Both men outdid themselves this time. I've never seen anything like this before -- especially since they had to demolish the house (completely) and basically start from scratch. The inside of the home is lovely. They found an assortment of antique doors, lead windows, and even a hand painted mural which they've used to add a lot of substance and warmth to their home. One of my favorite pieces is their antique Victorian iron fireplace.

Their kitchen was 100% gourmet in every way -- silestone countertops, Kohler "no-touch" faucet and sink, custom cabinetry, and all state-of-the-art appliances. I suppose the fact that my brother and his partner are both architects made deciding on specifics a little less stressful, since they already knew what they wanted. They still have a lot of outside work and landscaping left to complete. I know one of their big goals is to have an in ground pool and whirlpool in by next spring. I hope they get their wish!

I grabbed a couple minutes of alone time with my brother -- it's not often we're not around other people, and he stood up and returned a few moments later with a picture. It was of the two of us when we were little - it appeared to be my 2nd birthday. He told me I could keep the picture. I love it. It reinforces in me the strong bond we have together -- going back so far! Mark is sitting beside me watching with a bemused smile on his face. I really do love this picture. It brings me so much joy and happiness.


I'm so blessed having him in my life. I don't know what I'd do without him.