My big brother Cameron is one of my heroes.

I love him more than I can say.

Cameron has always been shrouded in mystery. I remember, at a very young age, longing to go where he went, do what he did, and drink in every word he said and copy every move he made. I have never asked him, but I wonder if he just wished I would stop bugging him.

Cameron has always been independent and rather private. I know he is vulnerable, because he is a human being – but he never seemed vulnerble to me. He seemed untouchable.

I actually owe my life to him, in fact make that I owe my life to him squared. Allow me to explain:

The first time Cam saved my life was when I got trapped in the dryer. This is a long story for another post, but, in brief, I was playing with my sibs,  the dryer had a glass door which made for the perfect space ship. I was the playing the astronaut – (it really is a dangerous line of work even when you are only PRETENDING to be one) and after we counted down the dryer door slammed shut and the cycle automatically began. There was no handle on the door, it was an old machine so there was no way for my younger sibs to get me out. They ran to tell our parents who just ignored them but Cam decided he would check out what was going on. Guess what he saw when he peered into that dryer — well it weren’t no dryer sheets, I can tell you that. It was his sister Liza – wearing an expression of total fear!!! He took the screw driver that was used as a handle, pried the door open and saved my young life.

The second time he saved me was when I was standing on the kitchen counter and reaching for something in a cupboard above the stove – that was ON – and my long dress caught on fire. I panicked, but Cam with his classic cool, took my burning dress and doused the flames – like it was NOTHING!

Cameron was born to be a man. I think he was never quite happy until he was a grown up man. And what a man he is! Honest, kind, sensitive, loving, good to the core, hard working, talented, funny, patient and downright unique!

Some of the many things that I most cherish about Cameron are:

His sense of humor. In a world where humor seems to be used as a weapon, Cameron uses humor as a bridge and as a connector. I really noticed this when I took a writing class with him a few years ago. You know how there is always a “funny guy”? Well, Cam was one of our funny guys. He always had the entire class laughing, sometimes crying we were laughing so hard. But he never mocked anyone. He was never cynical or cruel or trying to be cool – the laughter he created was out of love and kindness. When he was in class there was a feeling of celebration and complete JOY.

I also cherish the way he respects the priesthood of God. There are few people whom I know who pray like Cameron does. We pray so much in our faith there is a tendency to rattle off hollow prayers – but not Cameron, every time he prays I can feel him reaching out towards heaven. It always makes me want to be more courageous and more committed in my prayers when I hear him pray. He also gives powerful blessings. I have been blessed to receive some of the most beautiful blessings by his hand.

He is a wonderful father and husband. I especially love to watch him interacting with his son. He is so patient and so good. Cam and Nikki are impressive parents. Their son has a wonderful, bright and lively personality – that is enhanced by the beautiful training he has received. I just love that little guy. Nature and nurture are working out beautifully in their Harlem crib! I still remember how relaxed and chilled out he and his wife Nikki were right after John was born. It was the most amazing thing I have ever seen.

He is a very, very hard worker. He puts in those crazy New York hours just like my dad did. And he is always doing favors for friends and helping people out. I don’t know how he finds time to do all the good that he does. A major contributor to his ability to do so much is his wife Nikki. I have been so impressed with the way she simultaneously supports him and challenges him to reach higher. They are a great team.

He is wonderfully talented – in a myriad of ways – but I especially love his screen writing. His screen play was one of the very strongest in our class. People were blown away by it.

He is one FIT BLOKE! The guy is turning 34 and has NO FAT around his middle!!! He bikes and runs and eats farm fresh food thanks to his lovely wife Nikki. I really admire and wish I could better emulate his healthy lifestyle. He also has a great bum, just ask Ian! (Inside JOKE!!!)

Cameron can also “sleep it off” with the best of them. If he needed to the man could lie down on the stone floor of Grand Central station at rush hour and fall asleep. I don’t think he has ever come over to any house that Jan and I have lived in and not done this crazy thing he does where he just lays on the floor – kids crawling around, and pandemonium everwhere and just fallen asleep. It is a real gift, crazy, but ever so useful.

I love you so much, Cam! Right down to your tapered khakis!

Happy birthday!!