The Story of Siblings

As brother and sister, Nash and McKenna have always been close. And this is a story about them, “The Story of Siblings”.

As many stories do, this particular story starts out with disappointment. On Thursday afternoon, McKenna (a high school senior) received her first outright rejection to her #1 Dream School, Claremont McKenna College… To not even be deferred. To not even be waitlisted. To not even be considered, absolutely broke my daughter. McKenna’s legs could barely hold her weight as she literally fell into my embrace.

As her father, I had little words, only arms.

Once the tears had been wrung out of both our bodies, McKenna stood up strong like I knew she would. I asked her if she wanted to skip rehearsal tonight, but she declined. She would never let her castmates down regardless of her circumstance.

That’s when I telephoned Nash. Nash listened intently, but was stunningly silent as I broke the bad news.

“McKenna will be fine dude. At any rate, there is nothing we can do for her right now,” I explained to him.

But Nash wouldn’t have it…

Nash is currently a sophomore at Whitman College and also works in the Admissions Office as an intern.

Unbeknownst to me and completely of his own accord, Nash then sought out to speak with the Head of Admissions at Whitman College. Adam, the VP of Admissions was empathetic while listening to Nash’s rendition of McKenna’s story.

“Nash, as you know, the application process for Whitman is closed. HOWEVER…”

“Upon your personal recommendation, and if your sister is anything like you, we would be happy to make a special exception for McKenna if she would like to submit a late application to Whitman College.”

Cut to the chase, McKenna will now be submitting a late application for Whitman in the fall!

But honestly, this is not the story of college. This is “The Story of Siblings”.

I am simply blown away with how much love and care Nash has shown for his little sister. After hearing of McKenna's rejection, Nash’s heart broke with McKenna’s... And while he knew he was powerless to affect the outcome, Nash wouldn’t accept defeat. There was still something he could do.

And he did it.

In Nash’s follow up email to Adam, he wrote this, “I’m really happy I can help my younger sister with this, because what kind of brother would I be if I didn’t look out for her?”

And that encapsulates the bond between Nash and McKenna.

And that is “The Story of Siblings”.

All reactions:

8Tri Le, Laura Aguilar-Rogers and 6 others

IKEA and The Nest

I had a lot of my mind today. And as I typically do, I grab my Onewheel and head to the top of a mountain...

On this particular mountain top, there is a concrete pad I affectionately call “The Nest”. I often ride up here, plop down, and contemplate life until I sort it out or let it go.

But today, a random mountain biker ambles up to my pristine perch and says “Life is horrible today isn't it?” I laugh and reply, “Yup and the view from here sucks too!” 🤪

He introduces himself as “Edo” and sits directly in front of me criss cross applesauce. I'm guessing this guy wants to talk! 😁

Edo and his wife have 2 adult sons that live with them. He tells me about a time when he heard some rustling noise coming from one of the son's bedrooms. Edo smartly ascertains what's going on and waits for the rustling to stop before knocking on the door… The son comes out and Edo pulls him aside, “Son, have some common decency. If you're going to do that with your girlfriend, at least take her privately to the pool house!”

“But Dad, the pool house doesn't have curtains!”

So, the very next day Edo goes to IKEA, buy curtains, and installs them into the pool house! The son sees the new curtains, and immediately says “Thank you Dad! And thank you IKEA!" 🤪😂

Before he leaves, Edo drops this on me, “Kyle, the best thing you can give to your kids is your time… Love is great too. But if you make time for your kids now, later on in life, they will make time for you… “

Edo and I hug and shake hands as kindred souls. A Onewheeler and a Mountain Biker who once met on a mountain top. It's all good. “The Nest” easily has room for two…