This entry was posted on Monday, August 10th, 2009 at 9:50 am and is filed under Family Stuff. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.
When I moved to Los Angeles some fifteen years ago I couldn’t put home behind me fast enough. It wasn’t that I had a bad relationship with my family, it was that I wanted my freedom, and would do anything to get it. I was a young man on the loose in the big city and nothing could stop me.
Now, tapping cautiously at the gates of 40, I realize how important family is, and how much I wish they were still nearby.
Brad, my cousin, was kind of a pain in the butt when we were little. Lets be honest. He used to hit us, kick us, body slam us…he was unruly to the point that when our mother used to tell us we were going to Grandma’s house to hang out with the cousins we would roll our eyes and say “C’mon, MOM!” We did not get along well.
Recently Brad, now a strapping young man, moved to San Diego with his charming wife and beautiful daughter. And I had the pleasure of not only hanging out with him this past weekend, but seeing what an amazing dude he’s become, so very far from the little stinker that used to terrorize us all day. It would appear that somehow along the way he transformed into a caring husband and father. Let’s see, what else can I say about him? Oh yeah. He’s also become this hot shot architect had himself a book published, BIM and Construction Management: Proven Tools, Methods, and Workflows. I almost forgot that little detail.
Not only can I not even attempt discuss his book intelligently with him (the content is so far over my head he might has well have written it from the Hubble), but it’s doing well and I’ll bet one day will be referenced in architectural and design classes all over the country. Pretty damn cool, I’d say.
This weekend, we had a terrific time barbecuing, hanging out and drinking beers. I find myself comforted and happy that I, once again, have family nearby. But, above and beyond that, I’m happy to have this family close. Because I’m so proud of him and, even though at one time I considered him a nuisance and wondered what would become of him, I now consider myself lucky to know him. I’ll be better off for it.
My hat’s off to you, Brad, you make us all look good. 
-Matt
Don’t forget to swing by RedSparks, our online baby shop to check out what’s new!
August 10th, 2009 at 11:58 am
Ah, the joys of family…while none of us are particularly close in my family, I hope that my kids, and their kids, all will be. Great, great pictures; makes me finally believe you guys really DID have Dominick! ha ha ha
Kori´s last blog ..And We Wait
[reply]
Matt Reply:
August 12th, 2009 at 8:52 pm
@Kori, Truth is, I got the picture of the baby from iStockPhoto and Photoshopped him in. So far, no one is on to me!
[reply]
August 12th, 2009 at 6:53 pm
Funny how that works, growing up. Fab photos – but – oh! One of Dom! Thanks! I’m thinking he has Daddy’s eyes – what do you think?
PS shout out to you all in my next post
Barbara´s last blog ..A Full Meal AND Dessert!
[reply]
Matt Reply:
August 12th, 2009 at 8:51 pm
@Barbara, I think so too. Aline has been DYING for a kid with blue eyes…Middle Eastern people consider it somewhat of a rarity apparently. At least I got something right!
Can’t wait to read it…don’t be TOO honest!
[reply]
August 14th, 2009 at 11:03 am
Okay that was a beautiful post Matt..I may still be suffering from some form of postpartum emotional “mess” but that brought tears to my eyes.I was amazed at how similar you and Brad are…in all your great,endearing ways.Aline,the kids,and I are truly blessed to have both of you..and we cant wait for the monthly visits…FINALLY…people who understand our crazy life!
xx
[reply]
August 14th, 2009 at 11:22 am
Matt -
Wow. I don’t know if I deserve this post man!
You’ve always been the guy I look up to and still do. Though I still never think I’ll be as cool as the guy with the lines in his haircut and the Guns and Roses t-shirt, we really are blessed to have such great family and the feelings are all shared believe me!
You guys rock! And we can’t wait to see you next month!! Believe me there will be plenty of “schnockery” (Frankie word) and we’re proud of you and what you guys have accomplished as well.
Much love,
Brad
[reply]