« Desiring God: Conference For Pastors | Home | Pierpont Academy »
My Brother Chuk
By Kyle | February 12, 2008
It’s been over four years since I moved out of my parents home for good. I had been away for different lengths of time doing different things. It’s been eight years since I left home the first time for six months to be a part of a survival school. Then I left for a year to attend a school in Pensacola, Florida (which will remain nameless). Then for a year to work in purchasing for a ministry in Chicago and then back home to finish up my college work.
During that time my little brother Chuk grew up. Chuk and I were always good buddies during our childhood. We had our moments like all brothers do, but we grew up side by side. We caught trout together. We shot countless pigeons with our pellet rifles. We played baseball every summer.
When I left Chuk after high school he was still little Chucky. I remember coming home for break from the survival school and seeing little Chucky had picked up the family guitar and actually learned how to play it. He had passed me up in guitar ability with no problem. He had also acquired his own interests like Kentucky basketball and road biking.
When I got back from Florida he had his first job at the local grocery store. He had developed into his own personality. People loved to be around him. I remember being the only one home when a group of girls stopped by the house to give him a birthday gift. They were bummed he wasn’t there. That summer we got to hike 75 miles of the Appalachian Trail together.
When I went to Chicago he went to Flint with the rest of the family. We kept in touch mainly via e-mail and I would drive the four hours home for a weekend visit now and then. He worked security in a parking garage earning money for a Taylor guitar, his pride and joy. I would drive in late and we would drink pop and eat chips and sit on the floor of his bedroom talking about life. He would make his Taylor ring mainly with tunes he made up. It was one of those weekends that he told me he was changing the spelling of his name from Chuck to Chuk. I still don’t know why he did that.
I decided to move back home from Chicago to finish up school. I’m glad I did. Chuk and I shared a room again. It was a good year. We squirreled away and studied together. When we wanted a change of scenery we would hike across the street to the U of M Flint library. That’s tough to do when you are die hard Buckeye fans, but we went as brothers. We took many trips to what still is our favorite coffee shop; Tim Hortons. We would exercise together, I ran. He has always hated running so he would ride his bike and jump stuff.
It was during that year that we both met the women we would marry. He was my best man. I moved away and began the wonderful journey of being a husband and a father. He will begin that same journey this summer.
A year and a half ago I was called to be youth pastor at Grace Church in Granger, Indiana. That is where me and my family are now.
Last November my little brother Chuk was called to be youth pastor at First Baptist Church in Door County, Wisconsin. Last week I hugged him and said goodbye after spending a few days together. As I waved to him and drove south and we did the hand signals we always do I began thinking of growing up and hanging with my best friend back then. I went home and found a few pictures that are from those times.
It’s rare if a day goes by that we don’t talk. Usually it’s not about much, just checking in or sharing the latest find on youtube. I thank God for the brothers He has given me. I like to think of our relationship as an unpacking of this verse.
Behold, how good and pleasant it is
when brothers dwell in unity!
It is like the precious oil on the head,
running down on the beard,
on the beard of Aaron,
running down on the collar of his robes!
It is like the dew of Hermon,
which falls on the mountains of Zion!
For there the LORD has commanded the blessing,
life forevermore. Psalm 133 ESV
Topics: thoughts... |
February 13th, 2008 at 7:48 am
As you can imagine I teared up when I read this and broke into full sobs when I saw the pictures. What a beautiful, well-written reflection. I love you both so much. You are delightful sons. I pray every day that Dan and Wes will have the same experience.
February 13th, 2008 at 7:50 am
[...] This made me cry. [...]
February 13th, 2008 at 9:46 am
Hey Man Well said.
I miss you and love you a billion. Thanks for writing that it almost takes me back to when I came into the room and there was candle wax from one end to the other…hahaha
I love you and hope that someday we can work it out so that we can minister near each other
Thanks for the good writing
Chuk
February 13th, 2008 at 10:33 am
Kyle,
Thanks for sharing. Our God is so good! I am blessed to know you, your brother, and your father. Richly blessed to be able to look in upon your lives and see God at work!
Manitou Mike
February 13th, 2008 at 5:46 pm
AAWW! That’s so sweet! I LOVE Chuk’s UK hat! That was back when he was a Kentucky fan too.
February 13th, 2008 at 8:10 pm
This is such a sweet story, Love the pictures.
Mom
April 5th, 2008 at 10:16 pm
THat’s an awesome post, Kyle. Your family has an enviable dynamic.