It is hard to believe that this picture was taken 10 years ago to the day. My 19th birthday at the “Philthiest” bar at Yonge and Eglinton. (Pun Intended.) I am sure we had shared a drink together before, but this night seemed to make it more official. Our first birthday celebration, legal, at a bar, I was finally part of the crew and I was soaking up every second of it.

It was not just this night, but rather a multitude of nights, all different yet the same, that grew our relationship from siblings to best friends. Celebrating birthdays turned into celebrating weekends. My group of friends and your group of friends became OUR group of friends. The evolution felt seamless.

Last year I woke up the morning after celebrating my birthday with a massive hangover. One, hit by a truck, never drink again, kind of morning. You sat me down, poured me a glass from the untouched pitcher of Sangria and told me to drink up. You were always unconventional like that. I highly doubt it was the Sangria, but rather your charm that made me feel better that morning. You pledged to finish that 3-4 litres of Sangria that day, and when Nick and I returned home that evening, you had done just that. Even ate the fruit. A man of his word, highly respected by me.

Today is my first birthday of many we won’t celebrate together. And although there is no doubt in my mind you have a glass raised somewhere, it still hurts like crazy to not have you here. You always were my favourite addition to any party.

Until we meet again big brother,

Happy Birthday to me, Cheers.