In May of 1975 we moved from our house in Northeast Minneapolis to my parents current home in Andover. It was near the end of the school year and as I was anxious about it as any 6-year-old would be. I was excited about being in a brand new house with tons of space of run in. Also I knew the family across the street so I'd have some kids there that I'd know. I remember jumping in the car as we pulled away from the curb and looking back at the old house and waving goodbye to some of my neighbors.
Grant's best buddy Dylan does that today. And truth be told it really sucks.
Grant and Dylan really started to pal around this past winter. Dylan is the quiet one, while Grant is the siren. They compliment each others personalities perfectly. When Grant and Stanley are together they pick at each other and fight like brothers do. Of course the now-10-year-old doesn't want his kid brother bugging him all the time so more often then not there are arguments in the house. No big deal.
When Dylan comes over it's like a switch gets turned. Grant goes from growls to giggles and those 2 can play for hours on end, whether it's playing Batman, playing farm, or swimming in our little kiddie pool. It has been amazing watching them grow and play over the course of the last few months.
But today it's going to end. Dylan moves today. It's only a couple of hours away but Grant won't be able to look out the window and call his buddy over to spend time in the sandbox anymore.
Most all of the other kids in the neighborhood are either older kids who pal around with Stanley, or too young for him to want to play with. And to be honest, playing with mom and dad isn't what it's cracked up to be at times.
This next few days/weeks are going to be interesting for all of us. We've asked Stanley to be a little more understanding and supportive of his little brother. But we know that will have it's limits as well. Time will tell.
I remember what it was like pulling away from the curb and waving goodbye. I don't really remember the faces or the names. I just hope Dylan doesn't forget about Grant.
