Happy Birthday Nik

Today my brother, Nik celebrates his 30th birthday. Nik is an amazing man and to honor him, here are 30 facts about my only brother.

1. Three years ago he survived a near fatal motorcycle accident
2. He lost part of his leg in the accident
3. He has a computerized prosthetic leg
   
4. His heart was also punctured
5. His mother was told she couldn't have children before she got pregnant with Nik
6. Nik's official name is Nikiha
7. He's strong yet gentle
8. He's determined
9. He's steady
10. He's a man of few words
11. He has these enormous and beautiful blue eyes...truly amazing
12. He's a good listener
13. He is a former Marine
14. He has a black belt in tae kwon do
15. He probably knows at least a dozen ways to kill a man with his bare hands
16. He is employed with the Department of Homeland Security
17. He grew up in Hamilton, Montana
18. He now lives in Virginia
19. He has a dog named 'Bama
20. He travels often for work
21. He's driven
22. He loves a challenge
23. Before his accident he was into eXtreme sports
24. He's a good golfer
25. He is an amazing teacher
26. He loves peanut butter cookies
27. He's very easy-going
28. He's non-judgmental
29. He always beat me at ping-pong--he wouldn't crush me, but he wouldn't let me win either
    
30. My favorite memory of Nik happened the first summer I visited Montana for a week. He was about 7 or 8. We went on a family vacation to Utah for a few days and during some evening site-seeing he held my hand the entire time. It was so sweet and I felt so loved and looked up to.

I love you Nik! Happy Birthday!