My mother’s womb opened up for the first time 39 years ago today. My father’s junior was born on September 12, 1977, as the first male of John and Andrea Maher. They would produce three more, bringing their tribe count to four boys within the span of about 7 years. And oh what a clan we were! John, being the oldest sibling, was the most reserved growing up, but he was also the most daring. I know, I know, those two qualities seem to be opposite in nature. But it was usually after John’s astute observations—reservedness—mingled with his contemplative mind, that he would be bold enough to make a daring exploration on the matter at hand. Even at his own expense!One time John challenged one of our cousins to try and hit him.  No, not with his hands or even a ball, but with a BB gun.  He stood off in the distance as our cousin aimed in his direction. Fairly far actually. And at this point, you may wonder, “What in the heck is wrong with those two?"But to come to my brother’s defense and even my cousins, neither thought either would do it or could do it. Meaning, John didn’t think Nicky could hit him. And Nicky didn’t think John would stay put to be hit. Both were wrong however, because the doctor’s assessment of the injury went against the story they concocted about what “allegedly” happened. They said they were skateboarding and John fell causing his tooth to break through his bottom lip.And of course, the Dr. immediately knew the injury did not match the story. It turned out Nick had shot out John’s bottom tooth like a can being shot over at a boardwalk concession game. And while things didn’t add up for Nicky and John, they both stood by each others side and stuck to the story not wanting either one to get into trouble. Gotta love their cousin loyalty!Anyway, I only bring this up to remember how awesome my brother John was while on earth.  And since today is his birthday and he is celebrating it with Jesus in heaven, I wanted to make them both laugh at this past experience. Jesus was there when it happened, so He knows what I’m talking about too. He never leaves us nor forsakes us; but that doesn't mean He will stop us from standing in the path of a zooming BB headed straight for our teeth. But seriously, my brother’s heart (and struggle) can best be expressed in this journal entry that he wrote from America’s Keswick in 2002—“There was another trial today and outwardly, I handled it correctly; but inwardly I failed. In Christ, I must learn to react in a godly way. I am not of the world any longer. I thank God I can have hope to react in a Christ-like manner. Only through Christ” (8-1-02).That's right! Only through Christ can a BB memory bring life to the Birthday of someone who is absent, not gone.