i don’t know where i came up with the name “sozzy” for my brother stephen, but i did. sozzy was my first best friend ever. being only 18 months apart, i didn’t have to wait long. look at the love!
well yesterday was sozzy’s birthday. i stopped by a street stand to buy a phone card from one of my african mamas, and told her i was going to use it to call my brother in the US for his birthday. she said, “tell him i said happy birthday too!” 
i waited to call stephen till i was in porto novo with my students. together we all sang “happy birthday to you!” on stephen’s voice mail. i hope it worked. we had fun singing anyway.
i love you sozzy!
lauren laughs 
You were cute kids. It is touching that you have remained so close.