what I'll miss most

This is my brother Nick. I'm proud to call him my brother. I was at his game tonight and realized that there are only a handful more games that I'll be able to watch him play. For one, he's a senior and in his last year, but also the fact that I'm leaving in 3 weeks for 3 months. I remember so clearly when I was his age, practicing my jumpshot for endless hours out in the driveway... and Nick, my shadow, would always be there rebounding and passing me the ball for as long as I was out there. He wouldn't dream of making me fetch my own loose ball. He was faithful to the end... even if it was raining. And when I'd see him out there on his own I'd be sure to try to teach him the mechanics of shooting a basketball. "Keep your elbow in Nick, square your feet up to the basket and bend your knees." Then I would rebound for him... until he got it right. I loved coaching that boy. And now I see him play and realize he no longer needs his big brother to show him how to shoot, dribble or defend... so I just watch... I watch with great pride... When he is in the game I notice that I sit up a little straighter in the bleachers and scoot a little closer to the edge of my seat... Even when he doesn't have the ball, all my attention is on him. I love these times... He's played in these games since he was in elementary school and now it's nearing an end.
This is my brother Nick. I'm proud to call him my brother... it doesn't end with a basketball story. When I look at this young man, where he is and what he has become, I think to myself that I wish I had it together like he does when I was his age. I'll never find someone his age more confident in who they are... I'll never find anyone who is as consistent... I'll never find someone who makes good decisions on such a regular basis... I'll never find someone who can make me laugh so easily with a quick-witted remark... I'll never find a friend more faithful than Nick... He'll be faithful to the end... even if it's raining.