A Letter From A Brother

I don’t normally publish other people’s writing. Lots of other folks write better stuff than I do, but I just haven’t gotten around to getting others to write for my blogs.

However, last week I received a letter from my brother. That’s a rare occurance–we don’t write letters to each other. And this one was pretty special, so I asked his permission to allow you to read it.

He’s moving to Japan to accept an exciting new job opportunity, so we may not see each other for a long time. This was a great way to say good-bye.

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Rich Dixon is my big brother.  Some of you may think that fact would bias my opinion of him.  You would be right…but, being biased does not automatically translate to being wrong.

When I read Rich’s Bouncing Back blog, I can’t help but notice that many people speak of Rich’s courage and character, mostly in regard to how he recovered from a horrible accident to become a person that has inspired a generation of students, friends, and listeners.  In all honesty, that horrible accident should have killed him.  I am ashamed to admit that during the early weeks and months following his accident, watching him struggle and knowing the unrelenting physical and emotional pain he suffered, I had moments of weakness when I thought that he might have been better off if that terrible fall had taken his life.  I was wrong.  Rich lost the ability to walk, and for a while even the ability to talk…but there was that courage and character…and Rich had much more to do.  I know that even he thought of giving up…but courage and character are not injured in a fall.

That stupid accident happened so long ago that I suspect many people in his life today only remember him in a wheel chair.  The thing is, I knew my big brother before that horrific accident.  Rich shot baskets with me, taught me to ride a motorcycle, played tennis with me, helped me build model cars, and played catch with me in the backyard of our house in Ankeny, Iowa.  He has been my friend, mentor, and confidante for an entire lifetime.

Long before that accident, Rich helped me when he didn’t have to.  He asked for nothing in return and cared only that I was okay.  Long after that accident, Rich helped me yet again. He asked for nothing in return and cared only that I was okay.  So, if anyone thinks that Rich recovered to become a better person…I have to say you are wrong.  You see, he did not develop his character through physical and emotional recovery. He did not find courage after falling from a roof top.  Rich’s recovery merely reflected the courage and character of the man that I knew long before that accident.  He may have stretched in new directions, but the ability to do so is a trait he has long held.

To put it simply, Rich is the best person I know.  I would be proud to have him in my life in any capacity.  The fact that he is my big brother is quite simply — a blessing.

Best wishes on Rich’s Ride…I will be following your progress from the Far East.

I love you Rich.

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I love you back, little brother. I’m feeling pretty blessed.

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