Day4DearBros,
Those years the 5 of us spent living under the same roof may have been the most brutal, testosterone-filled, chaotic times in our lives. Not to mention, we had the largest family with the smallest house in the cul-de-sac. Yet now that I don’t live with any of you anymore makes me envy those times. We’ve all grown. Though we can’t fit in the back row of the Honda “Boxcar” Civic, the Blue Ford Arrowstar, or even the Chevy Impala, it doesn’t mean that there ain’t any room to fit into each other’s lives. Truth is, I can say that all 4 of you have shaped a particular side of me. It’s like each of you represents one of four elements: earth, fire, water, and wind. And I have a big arrow on my head.
Shaun- Wind As the big bro, much of what you do has a big influence on others and me. You are a trusty guide, a calm wind that leads to well-informed decisions and better places. It is because of your dedication to students that make me want to pursue a Master’s in Academic Counseling, so that I can help guide community college students out of what I call the “vortex” or tornado that prevents people from graduating or transferring.
Anthony- Fire I may have received the most bruising from you. Three-hole puncher, stapler, dog food bowl, plunger, even an ironing board at one point, we were such a violent duo. But no matter how “heated” we were at each other, we were also the closest. I’d get mad at you because we were not twins, but people thought we were. You skipped the 3rd grade, then you gained some inches on me, and then it just went downhill for me. With that set aside, what I admire the most is your knack to bring people together. Like candles taking turns to light other candles, you not only made a lot of friends in RH, but you were that first candle lit, the core of your friends. Even though you live in Sacramento, and I now live in the Heights, your flame still burns (he’s still alive btw, he’s not dead, everyone can calm down).
Billy- Earth When I say this, there is no pun intended, but you are the most down-to-earth, sometimes even mature, brother. Though your grades may not have been the best, I have the least worries about you. You already know what it takes to be out there in the real world, and you have proven so, with your business skills with the music venue, and your local celebrity status at Coldstone (visit the Elk Grove Coldstone!). You try so hard that you don’t care if you have mud on your pants, or you track dirt into the carpet. And everybody just wants to be around you! I’m a poke your belly! Keep up the good work, bro.
Joey- Water So daring man. You are always antsy for your next adventure. Blood flows like white water rapids in your veins. Whether you are skateboarding out on the 99 or chatting it up with the Pinay cheerleaders in front of Lola’s hotel in Tuguegarao where it looked like Justin Bieber just arrived, you’re always up for a challenge. I like challenges too, but you make me look like a wuss. The most fascinating thing about you is that your don’t let anyone dam up your stream. You flow right past it.
So it appropriate to say that whenever we unite as bros, we cause a giant whirlwind of disaster. Sorry for the The Last Airbender references.
MJD
