Paul and I stirred the fire while Dad was snoring in his sleeping bag. He was tired—we all were. We’d trudged through snow and darkness for three miles. We knew it was too late, but we decided to go backpacking anyway. It’s time to take on the Appalachian Trail, just like we did in Boy Scouts.

But we’ve grown up. Dad isn’t as fast as he used to be. He was cautious as he crossed the patches of snow and ice. I’m not longer the Senior Patrol Leader. I’ve done a couple MTV shows, graduated college, traveled the country, and now mow my own yard. But what about my baby brother Paul? He grew up when I wasn’t looking.

Paul has always been shy and of few words, so I was so happy to be alone to chat with him.; We talked about everything: college, his girlfriend, his high school memories, and his dreams for the future. He wants to be a criminal investigator. He said, “Kids dream about being a cop or an investigator, but someone has to grow up to be that person.”

He’s right. I’d never be a cop, but who’s to say he shouldn’t be cop. But still, a cop? There’s danger, stress, and corruption. I don’t want my brother in that mess. But he is a good man. Hmmm. He would never shoot anyone, and is too authentic to be corrupted.

After a couple hours of talking, we spread out the coals and went to sleep.

:::

This morning we hiked back into civilization. The winter air was crisp and perfect. I loved feeling small beneath the towering trees. Paul and I talked about technology and the future of computers. We really just want to be spies with cool gear like 007.

After cleaning up from the night in the wild, I hopped in the car with my youngest brother Andrew. This time, he’s driving. Oh no this is still weird. We went to see the last “Lord of the Rings,” but it was sold out. I remember when they built this movie theatre ten years ago. People drove from all over to be entertained. It doesn’t shimmer with excitement anymore.

We crossed the parking lot and went bowling instead. I’ve never enjoyed the sport of bowling, but this time I did. We zipped through four games and managed to play quite well. I was a little embarrassed at the idea of doing so well I’d get my name on the wall with all the locals.;

As I was unlacing my shoes, I looked at the lane next to us. Is that my eighth grade math teacher? I took a leap of faith and walked over to ask. I said hello, and she said, “Matthew! I knew it was you!” After a few minutes of catching up and finding out who is where, I asked her, “Did you hear about either of the shows I did on MTV?”

She smiled and said, “Oh yes, you are quite a star around here.”; I smiled big and felt my face get red. I felt like I was in eighth grade again, and she just told me I made a 100 on my Algebra test. After a few minutes of stories, I gave her a hug and made my way out the door with my grown-up brother.

:::

Life does go by quickly. It’s good to be back in the woods where life does go a little slower. In a couple days, I’ll be on a plane back to Phoenix. But until then, I’ll enjoy being a brother and a son.