My Brother
Hugh and I are three years apart. Those three years were once significant, but he's about to turn forty. After November 13th, we'll both be men in our early forties. Congratulations Hugh, you are now as old as your big brother. Kinda bittersweet, huh?
We didn't do much together when I was in high school and he was in middle school. Our interests were not the same. I left for college and then so did he. And as we drifted out of college and into life, there was a time when it looked as if we might not stay very close. We were both busy and we didn't make time for each other. Then Hugh experienced a terrible trauma that brought us back together. I remember the prayer I prayed: "God, if he lives, I won't ever take our relationship for granted again."
I've kept my end of that bargain and so has he. Rarely does a week go by in which we do not talk by phone or knock emails back and forth.
His name is Hugh Atkinson, and he teaches third grade at Moss Haven Elementary school in Dallas. He has a wonderful wife and a lovely daughter. Hugh is the kind of elementary school teacher you pray your children have at least once along the way. He's compassionate, thrilled by children, creative, and funny. I know he blesses the lives of the kids in his class year in and year out.
Recently Hugh started a blog. He calls it "Ramblings of a Third Grade Mind." He writes about school and life, and will probably be posting some more of his wacky, "Shel Silversteinesque" poetry. He has one poem online now.
I thought you might enjoy dropping by to visit my brother. Tell him I love him, and I'm glad we're the same age now.
rlp
8:24:57 AM 
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