Dear Oliver – Oh Brother

Your brother, Hudson Drew Porter, was born yesterday—April 2, 2026. I can’t predict what your future holds, but I can tell you this. Having a younger brother is the best thing that will ever happen to you. How do I know? Because I have three of them that I love dearly. I have plenty of people to love in my life, but the bond I share with my brothers is unique. They’re the last remaining connection to my childhood, the only link to times past and things forgotten.

My brothers connect me to my parents and grandparents; to my aunts and uncles and cousins; to the house and the neighborhood where I grew up; to Christmas mornings and Easter Sundays; to old cars and first dates; to weddings and funerals; to laughter around the dinner table, sporting events, and family vacations.

I know plenty of families where brothers and sisters are not close, where they have drifted apart or even grown to dislike each other. That is not the case in our family. Your mom and dad, and your grandma and I love our brothers and sisters and enjoy spending time with them. I hope you and Hudson will also grow in love and friendship because, as South African Anglican Bishop, Desmond Tutu said, “You don’t choose your family. They are God’s gift to you, as you are to them.”

God has been good to you and me in giving us little brothers. You’ll have plenty of friends and playmates growing up, but no one except your younger brother will share that special bond that began yesterday. Hudson may not always show it, but he will look up to you. You will be his collaborator and co-conspirator, his role model and his cautionary tale. He’ll be watching you. Don’t let him down.