Honoring the Other First Love
They say your first love is your father—and that’s partly true for me. But on May 25, 1990, I was blessed with anotherfirst love: my baby brother, Michael Duncan Jr.
It brings me so much joy—and honestly makes my heart smile—to celebrate Mikey. Watching him grow into the man he is today has been a true gift. He’s both a big cuddly bear and a fierce protector! He has a bottomless love for fast cars and late nights in the garage (so much that his wife had to implement a garage curfew—which still cracks me up).
What I’ve always admired most about Mikey is his determination. The textbook definition of determination is:
Firmness of purpose; resoluteness.
The process of establishing something exactly by calculation or research.
That’s Michael. Even without saying a word, he moves with purpose—digging into research, mapping out the steps, and seeing things through.
One of my favorite memories with him—and one that still makes us both laugh—is from his first trip to Breitenbush Hot Springs. Every summer, my massage school hosts a 3-day nature retreat for wellness practitioners and their families. On the first night, during orientation, our host casually explained that parts of the property are clothing optional.
Mikey looked at me wide-eyed and whispered, “Clothing optional??” I chuckled, apologized for the oversight, and explained the zones. We agreed we’d keep our clothes on that trip.
One of my favorite memories with him—and one that still makes us both laugh—is from his first trip to Breitenbush Hot Springs. Every summer, my massage school hosts a 3-day nature retreat for wellness practitioners and their families. On the first night, during orientation, our host casually explained that parts of the property are clothing optional.
Mikey looked at me wide-eyed and whispered, “Clothing optional??” I chuckled, apologized for the oversight, and explained the zones. We agreed we’d keep our clothes on that trip.
Love,
Tiana
Recharge Your Spirit Playlist
From childhood anthems to grown-up pick-me-ups, these songs have carried Tiana through every high and low. Press play HERE when your spirit needs a little extra light!
