Bogart's Sister Checks In

Hey...Bogart here...well, actually I am still at home, but decided my guest blogs would run anyway. That stupid storm in the Northeast yesterday pushed our honeymoon back to Saturday. Since I was supposed to be gone, I asked a couple of people to share some thoughts this week...

Today my little sister Erin is sharing some thoughts...She is #3 of 6...She normally writes a blog called Displaced California Girl...pop on over and say hello sometime.

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I first met Bogart when I was born. He is about 4 years older than me. He was, at times, the typical big brother. I remember sitting on a train near the window while Bogart sat in the isle seat. There was flatulence involved on his part and he would not let me stand up to leave. I had to sit there with tears in my eyes, trying desperately to breath through my mouth, praying that I would not taste the smell. Then there was a time that I was a very young teenager swimming with Bogart and his friends. The friends were older and, in my young mind, were hot. I got up the courage to get up on the diving board (in my bathing suit) and attempt a perfect dive...impressing the heck out of the friends. Bogart hollered, "Hey guys...look at my sister!" I paused at the end of the diving board. Then the horrific phrase was yelled, "Look, she's sprouting!" I was mortified. I ran inside and did not return to the pool with his friends...ever.

Then there were the times that he was not the typical big brother. He and I didn't live together for the majority of my life. He in San Diego, and I in Orange County. Though the distance, I always knew he loved me; I always knew he was on my side. I knew I could call him at any hour and he would talk to me. I always knew he was one of the greatest guys I would ever meet.

I met Claire about 2 years ago in Las Vegas. I was told I would share a room with her, the new girlfriend. When I first met her, I thought she was nice, bubbly, and so chaulk full of energy that she rivals a 3 year old. I am not a morning person and Claire naturally wakes up at the "butt-crack-of-dawn". I was worried. It turned out great. While she is a morning person, she was quiet and made sure she vacated our hotel room so as to not wake me up. I don't think I ever thanked her for my sleep.

I liked Claire instantly. I watched her and Claire together and realized that they fit. She made him happy. She got along with my family. She took care of him just as much as he took care of her. I also don't think I ever thanked her for that either.

So, if you are reading this while holding a glass, please raise it in their honor: To Claire and Bogart! May they live, love, and laugh together always!