As I get older, I look back and am so thankful that I had and still have such a loving older brother. My brother, Ben, has always taken care of me and in a sense, has been my all time bodyguard. As long as I can remember, he's been my protector. When a little boy at daycare stole my pillow, Ben made sure he got it back for me and that little boy knew not to take my pillow again. Our parents divorced when I was a baby and Ben was four and when we would go to my Dad's for the summer, my Mom made it a point to tell Ben to take good care of me. When I'd get scared of the dark, he'd let me fall asleep in his room. When a boy broke my heart, he was always there with a consoling hug and let me know that it was that guys loss. He taught me how to love the game of soccer and taught me how to be tough on the field. He had to sit in the back seat with me and keep me calm after I broke my arm and my mom was driving to the hospital like crazy, as she should in that situation. I was a freshman in high school when Ben was a senior. He'd always let me tag along with him. Not many brothers would let their bratty little sister tag along, but mine did.
I've always told God that I wanted a little boy first and then a little girl so she'd have a brother to always protect and look after her just as my brother did for me. There is nothing like an older brother's love for a sister. God has heard my prayers ever since I was a little girl. My husband and I were blessed to have a little girl, Ellie Marie, on August 12th, 2014, exactly one year and four days after our Hayes was born and soon became our angel. As I now hold my daughter sleeping, I can't help but think about how she DOES have an older brother like I have. Hayes is in Heaven watching over his little sister and protecting her. I know he's going to help Jesus guide her steps, and she'll never be afraid because her older brother will always be there for her, just like Ben has been for me.
I am so thankful and blessed that God gave me Ben and am even more thankful that God gave Ellie her older brother, Hayes; her very own personal bodyguard. It will be a sweet sight to witness as her love for Hayes grows with each passing day.
The day we welcomed our baby girl to our family.
