Sam Well

Because Griffin turns 18 on Wednesday, I thought I'd bring out some photo memories that I have of the two of us. There are some that go much further back than these, but I don't have virtual copies of them. I'll attempt here to use these pictures to tell some of the reasons why Samuel Griffin Metcalf is, by far, one of my favourite people on the planet.

10. You want to talk about silly? This kid is the definition of silly. He, however, keeps me laughing. I can be in a terrible mood, and a single word from him causes nothing but laughter. There have even been times that he's the very reason I'm in a bad mood, and within 5 minutes, he cracks me up.

9. Although he's the younger of my two brothers, he takes care of me as if he's years older than I. About two years ago, he jokingly assured me that he would do a background check on my next "friend". That's our relationship. We can mess with each other, but if outsiders mess with one of us, the other one will be on you "like a spider monkey".

8. He's willing to hang out with my Garrett and me. When the three of us are together, we have insane amounts of fun. Inside jokes beyond what you can imagine, and we make one incredible Catch Phrase team!

7. He's had pretty big changes in the past year or so, and overall, he's adapted well and been compliant with my parents. He had to leave a school and friends that he loved. He moved to a different state--a state he knew nothing about. He had to change churches, too. He knew no one except my parents,

which I'm sure, was rough. Through it all, though, he's made comments about knowing that he's still under mom and dad's authority, so he supports whatever God calls them to do.

6. Griffin loves people, and he can make a friend out of anyone. It's awesome to see the heart God has given him and is continuing to shape to be so welcoming and loving to those who too often are overlooked, ignored, and mistreated.

5. I miss him. Lots.

4. He's smart as a whip. The kid rarely has to study for anything. At the top of his class, he's not your typical geek. Yeah, he's a self-admitted nerd at times, but he's such a well-rounded kid. Everybody likes him. He sets a good example for those around him, not putting up with people's crap. He's very much one of the most popular kids in school, and such is so for good,

healthy reasons. How often does that happen?! You know what I mean? Most popular kids are popular because they are willing to compromise their standards on the weekend, because it's "cool" to rebel, and such. Griffin's different. He's cool, but this is true because he's such a good kid. He's kind, he's smart, he's athletic. He has a backbone. He's the whole package.

3. He's not afraid to be himself.

2. He has instilled in me a desire to be healthy--to eat more healthy foods and to exercise on a more regular basis. He's all about running, and he's an absolute beast when he runs. I'm nowhere near his calibur of physical fitness, but he helps me be a healthier me. Even though he's way more in shape than I, he is patient with me and makes a point to include me when we are together. One time, he and I went for a run. Even though he could have runs lots faster than he did, he intentionally ran more slowly to stay so I wouldn't be alone. It took a great deal of humility to do that. I'm telling you...he's awesome.

1. He loves the Lord. To hear him pray or discuss the things God is doing in his heart and life is such a blessing! He will make such a great boyfriend and husband, some day. I'm so proud of him for not giving into dating before God ordains it time. If you can't tell, I'm pretty stinkin' proud of Griffin. It is such a great privilege to be his sister! Happy birthday, Giffeh. I love you!