Older brother Bruce: Watching “Suzer” transform from a “bratty little sister” into a confident, empowered, and successful woman
My name is Bruce. I am Susan’s older brother by about five years. Is she my little sister? Well, to be honest, I jokingly refer to her as my bratty little sister. She was always telling Mom on me and getting me into trouble when we were kids. My revenge? Tickling her until she wet her pants!
Because of our age difference, I really did not spend a lot of time with Susan as we were growing up. We did not run in the same social circles. After high school, I left to serve in the Air Force, and our relationship as adults did not really begin until after I returned home from the service. That is when we grew closer. I still tease her about being that bratty little sister. However, I am proud of her and what she has accomplished with her life. She has done very well.
I can say, too, I am a client of hers. In fact, she has been the only one I have let cut my hair. I keep it relatively long now – down to the middle of my back. Professionally, Susan is all about the service. She wants her clients to look good and feel good. She is always about helping people and making them feel better on all levels, not just with their hair, but also with the situations they might be going through in life.
“Suzer,” as I like to call her, has always had an independent edge to her, coupled with a lot of common sense, but she is equally compassionate. I’d say the independent streak comes from our dad and the caring part comes from our mom.
Despite her ability to always be upbeat and positive, Suzer has had her fair share of ups and downs and she does a great job of keeping her personal and professional lives separate. I try to counsel her and offer advice on occasion through an objective lens. I do believe, though, that advice can sometimes be a dangerous gift.
Suzer has so many amazing qualities and would probably be successful no matter what career she pursued. She has a unique way of interacting with others.
Now, I will say that one thing that surprised me was when she got a motorcycle. I have ridden all my life and love to ride, so it really surprised me when Suzer got a motorcycle. It has given us a chance to ride together locally on occasion. She has been a passenger in the past, but now she rides on her own. I suppose that keeps in line with her desire to always empower others, as she is a real motorcycle enthusiast now and is living proof what confidence and positivity can do for someone. She not only talks about empowerment; she lives it, too.