A lot of you know that I have three brothers and you know that my youngest brother was killed in a car accident on Dec.26, 2003. His 24th birthday is approaching and I thought I would share a few memories that I have of him; perhaps in some way to introduce him and revive him if only for the length of a moment.
In Nathan’s younger years he was a goofy kid who found himself the butt of many a joke. He was often the outsider trying to wiggle his way in; only to find that he wasn’t welcome when he got there. I often admired him for his resilience and strength of character through that time.
As he approached his teenaged years, Nathan was put in the position to get the ultimate nerd’s revenge. His teeth straightened out, his acne cleared, and he developed muscles he never knew he had. Nathan was a star. Every guy wanted to be his friend and every girl wanted to date him. I would often watch him from a distance and marvel at the person he had become.
One such opportunity that I had to observe Nathan was at a high school pep rally where he was, of course, the captain of the football team. Before the rally began, Nathan was in the front of the stands chatting with a group of students. I watched him and realized the kids getting Nathan’s full attention were the special needs kids. Nathan knew their names and had inside jokes with some of them.
To begin the rally the cheerleaders announced that there was to be a dance contest and asked for volunteers from the crowd. One of the kids that Nathan had been talking to stood up and started to show his mad dancing skills. The crowd started to laugh and boo.
Nathan stood up from his spot with the team and started to cheer for the kid and soon the audience followed suit. Before I knew it, Nathan had changed the mood of the whole room and everyone was rooting for this kid to win and he did.
Nathan had the chance for the ultimate nerd’s revenge. He so easily could have taken his new found popularity and lorded over the “insignificants” among us. Instead, he played it more like the outsider with insider privileges. I am humbled by his example, and honored to have been that guy’s sister.
Stayed tuned for more from Nathan’s world.
Sarah says:
Thank you for sharing your sweet story. I would love to hear all of your stories if you have the inclination.
July 22nd, 2005 at 2:15 pm
Amy says:
I fully intend to tell more stories in the days leading to his birthday on the 28th.
Thank you, Susan. I am so glad to know that you got to know him. He really was glad that you were my friend, as am I.
July 22nd, 2005 at 2:29 pm
Ruth Ann says:
Thanks for sharing…I have heard many good things about Nathan…wish I would have known him.
July 23rd, 2005 at 4:56 am
Ginger says:
Amy,
I think about Nathan just about everyday. It is amazing how he changed and grew and yet, in so many ways, never really changed at all. I remember a time when I couldn’t tell him and Kevin apart. How silly I feel now! Thank you for sharing your stories with us. I long for the day that we will all be together with him.
July 23rd, 2005 at 8:01 pm