Brendan, Gifted in Many Ways

Brendan, Knee-Deep
(he's gently pushing the boat into the dock)

I hope my readers like the new "look" to my blog page.  I thought the HUGE picture was annoying when I open up the post.  My nephew, Brendan, helped me re-configure the "look" so the reader doesn't have to scroll forever to find my writing.  

Brendan will turn 15 years old, on the 9th of this month.  He's one of the very few rare people, younger than 30, who has the patience and kindness to take the time to help me with computer things.  He's never grabbed the laptop out of my hands, he's never said, "I'll do it, it'll be faster!", and he's never laughed at my inability to reason in computer language. Even more incredible?  He admits when he doesn't know how to do something and talks through what he's doing and why.

Not only is that phenomenal, it makes me think he'll be a master teacher by the time he turns 21.  If you have lived half of a century or more, you understand this rarity.  Especially, if you remember, Brendan is a teenager.  He's been suckled on advances in technology.  Not just ordinary advances.  Leaps and hurtle-jumping-breakthroughs in a little more than a decade.  He had a track-phone at 10 and now has a "smart" phone at 14!  

I'm impressed.  Not so much by his knowledge, which is staggering.  (he's already enrolled in AP classes and he's a sophomore)  But, I'm more impressed by his listening skills, his patience, his intuitive nature, his unwavering desire to make sense of his world and the people he is with.  He's never sighed and walked away from me when I've asked an idiotic question about the computer.  He laughs at the stupid things I say and doesn't explain how un-funny I can be.  He hugs me each time I come to visit and when I leave.  (I have to keep reminding you----he's 14)

One more point, which is not insignificant.  This picture is of him holding my great-niece, Olivia.  You can see the tenderness, warmth and maturity this young man has.  

Brendan and Olivia

There needs to be an organization, like the International Student Exchange Program, that sends young people out into the adult world.  It could be called The National Teenager/Adult Saturation Program,  or the National Adult Eureka-Moments Program.  This program could put young and old together to help bridge the technology gap AND the age gap so prevalent in our society.   

Brendan has done this for me.  He's humble and probably doesn't even realize his gift.  He already functions at the olympic level of bridging the gap.  What will he be capable of when he turns eighteen?

Brendan With Sister, Jenna.
Already a Sage!

Thank you, Brendan.  You open my eyes and make me want to be like you.

(one small note:  Labor Day always makes me miss the Straits of Mackinac)

Labor Day- Day of the Bridge Walk