Cheese With Your Whine?
7.02.2005
Happy Birthday, Joe!Today is my little brother, Joseph's, 11th birthday. He's been with our family since he was 4.5. The poor guy had a pretty rough start. He was bounced around quite a bit and when we finally adopted him, we picked him up at a Burger King. No lie. They walked in, introduced themselves to us and left him with complete strangers in a BK. I will never forget seeing his little kakhi'd legs poke out of that SUV and walk his head full of blonde hair into the restaurant. He has the most remarkable blue eyes I've probably ever seen. When we asked him his name, he proudly responded, "I'm Joseph Scott Bunch" and proceeded to tell us that the was 4.5 years old.
That day we went to OKC and let him and Kendie play at some big playground land thing. He wanted us to sing, and sing we did. I think "Deep down in my heart" is still one of his favorite songs. Only now he comes much closer to actually hitting those deep bass notes!
There are so many little things I remember about those first days....his crazy little gallop that we called "doing the Joe". Him riding around like a wild man on Kendie's trike at the office. Those tight hugs when we went into restaurants because his poor little mind wasn't sure that he would leave with us.
We were told that he had "problems". That he had been biting, hitting, and messing his pants. We never once had those issues with him. He has been an amazing addition to our family. You've never seen a better brother/protector/defender than he is to his sister Kendie. He has taught me much. I marvel at his imagination and zest for learning. I laugh at his notebook of important formulas that he keeps so that when he's in college he doesn't forget them. He is such a tender young man....so nice to Rylee.
It had been over a year since I had last seen him before they all were here about three weeks ago for Brook's wedding. I could not believe how tall and handsome he had become. Such a little gentleman. When I saw him crying when they had to leave it almost killed me.
I love you Joseph! I'm so glad you're in my life. I can't wait to see what you become. May your notebook serve you well.
