waiting for birds to sing

Yesterday I had a very good day. I don't often see my younger brothers, because I haven't lived in the same house with them since I was in the 7th grade. Consequently, I missed out on a lot of their very important growing up moments.

Perhaps a retelling of the day would be a good starter for what I'm trying to convey. Today I am moving out of my summer house and into my apartment (finally! a lease for 12 MONTHS, a semi-permanent home!) Thankfully it is furnished, as I don't want to acquire "stuff" quite so early in my life, as I intend to be mobile post-grad. As a result, I needed my mattress and box springs picked up. Hence the visit from my aunt and two youngest brothers.

We went swimming at the pool I've worked at all summer, and the boys were impressed with the place. They behaved very well, contrary to my memories of them. It's hard to think of them at their current ages. To me, my brother Levi is still 3 and Cody is still 9. Strange to think now how much time has passed; Levi is now 10, and Cody is about to turn 16! It saddens me to think of how much of their lives I have missed because I was involved with my own life, being so much older and independant.

All 4 of us, all half siblings, have different talents, abilities, and gifts. It's funny to see how different 4 kids can be, growing up in the same environment for the most part. I always looked on my brothers as being "lesser" because they aren't and were never gifted at academics. Yesterday I was humbled. They are all so talented in ways that I could only dream to be.

Cody and I visited a music store, Marshall Music, and he played me a song. 'Wish You Were Here' by Pink Floyd. This, my almost-16 year old brother, is a master of music. He played the guitar like he was born to do it. I suppose I should have seen it coming, from day 1 the kid had an ear. He could hop on any instrument and sound as if he had at least ONE lesson. He can play by ear what most would struggle with sheet music. He is a force to be reckoned with on guitar, drums, and saxaphone. He is driven and loves it, if this doesn't take him places, nothing will.

Levi, my youngest brother.... the epitome of cool. At 10. When I was 10, I had no idea what to wear, had no concept of cool shoes, hats, accessorizing. He is a skater punk, and for good reason. The kid can rock out a skateboard. We visited a skate park that we happened across in Frandor, and it was funny to hear him bust out skater terms, and rival the "big kids" in their skating abilities. We took him into Urban Outfitters, just to look around, and he loved every minute of it. He settled on buying some Vans arm bands and a hat for $4.99. Then in Dunham's he flipped out over tiny toy skateboards. It's refreshing to know he still is a normal kid in some ways.

The oldest of my younger brothers was not mentioned because he is also out pursuing his individual identity. Since July 17th he has been at boot camp in San Diego, CA becoming a MARINE. I can scarcely believe my younger brother- the one I used to play dress-up with, adorning him in girls' skirts and jewelry- is now a soldier.

Life is funny, but it's good to know despite our shaky upbringing we can all embrace our individual talents and turn out alright.