Looking for some ideas on wording for a gift. A friend asked me to do a special engraving on a picture frame that will hold a specific photo. I'm not at liberty to post the photo, but it's 2 young brothers sitting on concrete steps in the early 1970's. They were probably 3 and 6 years of age and their tricycle & bicycle handlebars are in the foreground. They are both smiling and the older brother is slightly behind his little brother with his arms wrapped around the little brother's shoulder & body with his hands clasped. The little brother has his elbow resting on his big brother's leg. The big brother conveys both protective, loving and happy all at the same time while the little brother looks happy, comfortable and relaxed. Apparently the boys NEVER fought and were always the best of friends. As adults, people did not know who was the older brother because they both looked up to each other. The older brother tragically died twenty years ago when he was 34 and it was quite devastating for the younger brother.
The photo was recently found and will be given to the younger brother. He may not remember this photo exists. The friend is struggling with what to have me engrave since we have to factor in the older brother has passed away. "Brother = Best Friend" doesn't seem right now that 20 years have passed.... yet at the same time, when that photo was taken, they were best friends. Same thing with "Brothers are like glue. They stick together."
A few quotes I thought of:
"The Fabulous XXX Brothers"
"My big brother always has (had?) my back."
"I always looked up to my big brother. I still do."
"I smile because you (were?) (are?) my brother. "
Any thoughts or suggestions? Normally I would tell the customer what they want engraved is up to them, but this is a friend that is asking.