passing time with you in mind

Growing up, my brother and I were never that close. I’m three years older, and I was always more motivated than he was. Consequently, I excelled in school, and though my parents said that they didn’t compare us, I always knew that I was the easier child to raise.

I think he felt like he lived in my shadow a bit, and we always had different interests. Ultimately, we spent time together on family outings or vacations, but lived quite independently under the same roof.

After my first year in college, my parents and my brother moved. He switched high schools half way through one of the most difficult periods of time for most people. He left behind a solid group of friends, and he became depressed.

I was away at school but heard about the pain he was in and started making an effort to reach out to him. It wasn’t easy: He’s introverted and phone conversations can be challenging. But, I reached out anyhow. I called him every week or so, and whenever I visited home, we would make plans to have a brother/sister hang out. We’d go see a movie or go on a bike ride or go for a run.

I’ve seen my brother go through a lot in the past couple of years. Now life is looking good again for him, and I’ve seen him hold on to his faith for strength. This past Christmas, he shared with the entire family his dream to transfer from the community college he is currently attending to Westmont. He told us that he wanted to go to a school that challenged him both academically and spiritually, and that would ultimately strengthen him as a person. As I listened to him that day, I nearly started bawling at the amazing person my brother has become…I’d like to be more like him.

Our relationship looks a lot different now than it used to. He was in L.A. a few weeks ago on a road trip with friends, but he made a point of calling me and meeting up for breakfast. Tonight I found out that he has been accepted to Westmont and will transfer there in the fall. I’m so proud of him, and I’m so thankful that I finally realized that his joy fills my heart up.