Martin, my wonderful brother, is the "Great Martini! Growing up, Martin(far left holding his diploma) was the best role model a young girl could have. I idolized him and was determined to live up to his expectations. In a neighborhood where there were less than savory characters, my brother and his friends were the young black men that you seldom see represented in the media. They were smart, honorable, loving, funny(beyond!), compassionate, supportive of one another, driven and dedicated to their families. I use to beg my mom during the summer months to let me stay up late so that I could sit outside with him and his friends - he would always let me. Martin is an excellent writer, artist, athlete, enjoyed architecture, music and sports growing up and aside from my mother, is in many ways the nucleus of our family. He has traveled the world but has seldom missed getting back home for Holidays and like Santa, his arrival is always eagerly awaited. He's been a huge influence to all of us. So, as yesterday was his birthday, here's to many more years of laughter and great times with a man that means the world to me! Happy Birthday bro - let's have a laugh together!
