011. JASON

This is my brother-in-law, Jason.  I give him a lot of crap and he gives it right back, but in the time I've been around Jason, I've developed an appreciation for his sense of humor.  Jason's got a silly, but dry comedic timing.  I imagine him on stage at a stand up club and laughing at his own jokes the whole time.  It's a wonderful world where you can entertain yourself so easily.

But seriously...  The truth is I absolutely love Jason.  He's one of the most generous, kind-hearted, hard working men I've ever met.  He's devoted to his kids and he truly loves my sister.  No matter how many games, birthdays or events I attend for his family, Jason goes out of his way to let me know how much he appreciates my presence and support.  He makes me important.  And that means a great deal to me.

Through Jason, I've also gotten to know his family.  Especially his mom and dad, Irene and Greg.  These tremendous people are the most genuine, welcoming souls that ever existed.  I adore them.  Even though I'm not related to them, they treat me like part of the family.  For someone like me, without kids of my own, and a relatively new relationship, those bonds are like pure gold.

Jason isn't the kinda guy who shoves things in your face or pushes his beliefs on others.  That's something I think we have in common.  I like to think of myself as tolerant of others and I believe very much in testing my belief system from time to time.  I've noticed Jason encourages his kids to find things out for themselves and wants them to make independent choices.  Many is the time I've hoped they would crack the whip and make Brock play baseball, but it's more important for Jason to let his son choose his own activities.  But once that choice is made, he's in full support mode.

I call Jason "Vanilla Thunda".  Mainly because even when he's not yelling at a ball game, he has an incredible presence and he concentrates intensely on what's happening.  Whereas Raelyn is the megaphone, Jason is the "white noise" rumbling in the background.  You always know when he's there.

When you first meet Jason, you won't see the compassionate man.  You'll see the everyday guy he is most of the time.  But there's a great depth underneath the crust.  He's got a hundred good qualities and I'd overdo it if I sat here and typed a bunch of them.  So I'll wind it down. 

He's a great guy and he's a man I'm proud to call my brother.

Jason is a reason for being.