Life is always full of trials and my two constant supporters are my brothers Bryce and Zach. Doesn’t matter what ups or downs approach, they are always there for me. Moving away for college was not as difficult as moving to CA. The hardest thing about moving was not having my brothers around. Even when I would come home from college and visit for a weekend, the boys were the ones I usually hung out with rather than friends. Sibling dates were not uncommon but still too few and far between. There were even times they were gracious enough to allow me to hang out with them and their girlfriends when I myself didn’t have my Micah in town. Friends are not as plentiful after you go away to college, but I always had my brothers.
I am used to Zach being a ‘grown up’ since he has always been the older one, but now my little baby brother is reaching that mark as well. It’s hard to think back 17 years when he was born and I was only 6…furious that I had yet another brother when I would have given anything for a sister. Had I known then what I know now, I would have been jumping for joy just knowing he was going to turn into such an amazing young man.
Coming from Metamora, Football is a way of life. Zach played for a few years, I cheered for my 4 years, and then Bryce came along. He didn’t just play or cheer, he dominated. Starting out in Junior Football League he was a born football player. (possibly the aggressive side shining through) And then took Metamora football by storm freshman and sophomore year. I have never seen someone work so hard to be the best that they can be whether they are the star of the team or not. He was in the weight room more than anyone, I am positive. Going into his junior year he was starting Varsity (I got home from England just shy of his first game.) As I got off the plane I remember Micah telling me that Bryce had been injured, only to find out he tore his ACL at the beginning of the first game of the season. This is a tough situation as is, but knowing how hard he had worked for that starting position, it was heartbreaking.
But it didn’t hold him back. He had surgery and endured rehab with the vision of getting back on that field. He stood (crutched) on the sidelines for each and every game cheering on his teammates. He stood watching HIS team (which he had worked so hard for) win State. Rather than pity himself for not getting to play he was just as proud as he would have been if he carried the ball. He is a true team player.
He worked all summer to get back to where he was just a year before and once again landed a starting position on the Metamora Varsity! Playing like a Rockstar is what I like to say. Since we moved at the beginning of the season, I missed every game and longed to see him play since I didn’t get to watch him the season before. Then Micah sent me to Peoria early so I could watch his Senior Night game….freezing. Freezing is an understatement….rain and then freezing temperatures were enough to make anyone want to leave, but there was no way I was going to miss a moment. Surprising him with my trip home was the most thrilling part! Off to the playoffs they went…of course this was no surprise to Metamora. And to my delight I was able to listen to it on the radio via the internet. And then, off to state. Like last year Metamora was at the top of their division. I didn’t get to go to the game but I was lucky enough to watch it over the internet. They deserved the title….maybe that’s just the proud sister in me, but I know how hard those kids work during the on and off season. They deserve to win every year, but it just didn’t happen this year.
Despite the loss, I just cannot express how proud I am of my little brother. He’s my little Rockstar and I could not be any more thrilled to call him my brother. He has the heart of a champion…on and off the field. I know what life has been like for him and I know how much he has grown up. I am just so proud of him.
Bryce…I am so glad that God gave me a second brother almost 18 years ago. You have such a kind and compassionate heart that is hard to come by these days. Your love for God is visible in your every day life. I am so proud of your determination and ability to overcome adversity. I hope to someday become as strong as you are in your young age. Win or lose I will always be one of your biggest fans (don’t think anyone can top Aunt Georgia or Mom and Dad). I cannot wait to watch you graduate and go off to conquer college. You are still an ornery stinker but I would not trade you for anything in the world. Seeing you play your little heart out on the “internet TV” was such a blessing. Never lose your determination and love of life.
Now go get your senior pictures taken so I can show you off! Love you little brother. (also love you Big brother, but this is Bubby’s moment to shine). So thankful for you both!
Click here for the Metamora Football Fan Song
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