Last night I found out something terrible: Laura's little brother was killed in a car accident not long after we parted ways in the wee hours of Saturday morning. I don't know the details of the accident, but no matter what (even if he'd done something to cause the accident) it's pretty tragic. The kid was only 20, and that's way too young to die.

I think most of us take for granted that we're always going to have our siblings. Unlike your parents, your siblings are pretty close to you in age, so you're supposed to have them most, if not all, your life. It's sad that it takes something like a loved one's brush with tragedy to put things into perspective, but isn't it hard for you to imagine not having your brother or sister around?

After giving her my pitiful condolences, the first thing I did was to write an e-mail to Vynce and remind him how much I love him. I admit that I worry about him, especially considering his misadventures with alcohol last year and the year before. (but it's been a year since he's done anything dumb, so that's hopeful). When I say my prayers I always remember to ask that he be guided to make good choices, and that I will as well. The last thing I want either of us to go through is to get the same news that Laura and her sister got this weekend.

So folks, if it's been a while since you thought about how much your own siblings mean to you, please take a moment to. God willing, most of us will not have our illusions that our siblings can always be counted on to be there shattered.

No one tell Mom how old that photo is, she'll want us to get another one, and we both hate that!