Chapter Two

I’ve been in Eugene, Oregon for the past few days. We’re here attending my brother, Bruce’s retirement party. After 30+ years in education, he is retiring from the Springfield School District where he is the Director of Curriculum. (Please note that after he leaves it will take two people to replace him!) In our country, the educational arena can be very political and often focuses on test scores rather than learning, but my brother has a reputation for building relationships and always putting the needs of the kids first. I’m very proud of him.

Despite the childhood teasing and adolescent cruelty, I have always known that my big brother is a good guy. If you ask me to describe growing up with a brother six years my senior, I will say “it was the best of times and the worst of times.” He teased me, got me to believe unbelievable stories and tormented me (including when he and his friend Brad put my beloved Barbie and Ken in compromising positions that I did not understand but that I instinctively knew were wrong!) Through all the situations, he kept me on my toes and he always, ALWAYS made me laugh.

The biggest surprise of the party was the moment my brother — who only reveals himself during rare unguarded moments and never in front of 100 people — transformed into Mr. Sentimental. He asked his long-time assistant, Amy, to join him on stage. Amy has been with him at the District for 17 years. She has kept him on track and been fiercely loyal. Amy reluctantly took the stage, leaving at least five feet between them. Bruce not only dedicated a song to her but he sang the first verse. His choice? “Thanks for the Memories,” Bob Hope’s signature song. Who knew??? Who knew my sarcastic, restrained brother had it in him? I’m sure I will never forget that moment of sweetness and admiration and I venture to guess that neither shall Amy.

There is a line in the verse that goes “You were always a headache, but never a bore.” I know he meant it as a fun-loving tribute to Amy but I couldn’t help think that it perfectly described our childhood when I dreaded his ridicule but anticipated the inevitable amusing payoff.

So congratulations to my hardworking brother. I hope the next chapter of your life is filled with fun and travel and plenty of new, wonderful memories.