My Idol Writer

For my brother, Seth, on his 26th birthday.

I grew up idolizing my brothers. They were perfect, and in my eyes they all still are in their own ways. When I think about the best writer in my family, Seth is the first to come to mind. Let me show you why.

The following is a short story Seth wrote at the age of 12 years old, titled My Favorite Place.

My Favorite Place

My favorite place is where the sun shines, the animals play and the wind whistles through the trees. It is a small farm where I live.

I sit in the trees and watch squirrels gather acorns for the harsh winter to come. I glance around and spot about ten lambs jumping and prancing around full of life and energy.

I walk the harvest fields and watch as the deer graze. They spot me and gracefully scramble away.

I glance into the barn as a mother sow walks to her nest of crowded piglets. The piglets will be my fair pigs.

I ramble around, breathing the farm fresh air. I reach the old river. A beaver family collaborated to create a dam.

This is my favorite place to go when I’m feeling down. This is my home.

Seth has a greater understanding of how to put your heart on pen and paper than I will ever truly know. Today, Seth works as a welder in his business, Wilson Welding Company, with a competitive drive and creative imagination, while becoming a dad this year. When he does write, whether it’s cards, letters, or a simple text, its the simplest, purest form of writing that touches you. The kind of writings you need and long to hear.

For you, my idol.  I love you. Happy Birthday.