Brothers?

They have the same genetic material. They were raised together and as “the same” as two brothers can be. Despite this, they are two vastly different people. Sure, they have some similarities. Both have a strong work ethic. Both are smart AF.

Annnndddd,…that’s about it.

Today was prom. While Dirty’s prep was nothing like a young lady’s, he was still intentional/stressed out. Hair had to be on point, muscles needed to be pumped, mirror needed to be looked in (A LOT!), calls were made to dad to check his status because Dirty wanted to leave early. He’d spent the past week calculating the costs and crunching numbers. He’d planned his tux weeks in advance.

Both boys were expected to roll out about the same time. Dirty had to have his brakes pumped. ‘Don’t leave early. Your brother is almost here.” His jaw flexes as he looks about to burst. He’s that “Being on time is being late” type of guy.

Daniel arrives. As chill as a person can be. Stops brielfy for a couple pictures. Then quietly goes off to his room and grabs a tux. “Dude! You rented a tux?!” We had no idea. Daniel just does stuff. He doesn’t need other people to know or attention about it. He refused to wear the tie. “They gave me a clip on tie. What? Do they think that a 20 yr old doesn’t know how to tie a double Windsor know?” Yea Danny. I’m pretty sure that’s exactly what they think. “I don’t know what to do with my hair.” “Well, want me to put it in a half pony for you?” He did. I think. He’s so easy going, it’s hard to tell what he wants. But when it’s one of the things he’s passionate about, there’s no barrier for him whatsoever. Dude wanted to move to Stockton and go to school just a few weeks after high school. So much could’ve got in the way. But, it’s Daniel. And he wanted it. So without any surprise and very little support, he’s just a few weeks away from an AA degree. Completed with the same look of ease he’s always go. His entire fancy date prep took less time than Dirty took to do his hair.

After the prom exodus, Brian and I just looked at each other and shook our heads. How? How are they so different?

I love how different they are. They are both amazing young men who have their own unique way of being and doing. They are both out having what I can only hope are memorable and very safe nights. They are an example of how there’s ore than one way to reach a goal.

Now, lets see if they can both reach the goal of cleaning those gawd awful rooms of theirs.