Being the youngest brother is an interesting experience to say the least, but now the torch has been passed in an unexpected way. Having two older brothers is something that can’t be described, but if I were to describe it in a single phrase it would be... “Don’t tell mom.” Every younger brother is silently shaking their heads in agreement right now. Trust me, we have all heard that simple yet effective phrase. Although being the youngest has its trials and tribulations, I have always admired my older brothers. In a way, they are like crash dummies, some beat-up more than others. They take the speed bumps and take the sharp turns, so I could sit back and watch them and learn from them. What would I do without the crash dummies in my life? Did my brothers even realize that they smoothed out the path for me? Although my brothers would still convince me to do something dumb, or play some silly game, or even get punched, I wouldn’t trade it for anything.
Now fast-forward some years, specifically December 4th, 2024. It was the day I was going to become an uncle! After waiting anxiously, my nephew Bleu Kirkpatrick entered the world (Before you ask... No, I didn’t cry). At that exact moment I got to meet him, I realized that I was not the baby anymore. Now, I don’t mean being the baby brother, but I mean I don’t need crash dummies anymore, but Bleu does. I always wanted to be my older brothers, I always wanted to fill their shoes. I realized in that hospital room that I could step in as an “older brother” or the “crash dummy” for my nephew. Wow, it seems crazy to even type that out on my laptop. I get to fill my older brothers’ shoes. I always thought I could follow in their footsteps in football, working-out, hunting, or fishing.
Turns out I can follow their lead by smoothing out a path, and taking the sharp turns. Every time I get to see my nephew, I am reminded of how precious life truly is. Seeing a new life blossom is truly a work of art. God really is the best artist (I’ll put my artist ego aside) and our lives are his canvas. I am full of joy that I get to occasionally be the crash dummy for Bleu Kirkpatrick. I was lucky enough to have two great older brothers who took the hits for me, and like a torch being passed, I can now do that for my nephew. In my first example of being a new crash dummy, I am currently writing this at 12:42 in the morning. I procrastinated because I was watching a Metallica documentary. So, To Bleu Kirkpatrick: Lesson #1: Don’t procrastinate.
In all seriousness, I have already fallen in love with being an uncle. It has become one of my greatest achievements in life, and is one of my favorite titles that I hold. None of this confidence, bravado, and love would be a part of me if it wasn’t for my own crash dummies. Jake and Jordan were like giants among men to me. Although I am taller than them now, I will always admire them and look up to them. I will forever be in debt to them for being my crash dummies. I am no longer the baby, but a new crash dummy.
Be grateful for your loved ones who took the hits for you.