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No other band more aptly provides the soundtrack to my life like The Beatles.

Today’s song: In My Life

**

We all have, in our personal histories, particular events, experiences and people that have left an indelible mark on our lives. They are powerful forces that have brought about great change and growth within us. They have transformed us from the person we once were, and in some ways, rendered us unrecognizable even to ourselves. Some have affected us in immeasurably positive ways while others have been deeply painful and have created a great deal of lingering distress. They are all simply a part of life. Without them, life would be static. Without them, we would be static. They all have their gifts to give - even if it isn’t readily apparent what those gifts might be.

The past two days have marked anniversaries for two such forces in my life. One a birth. The other a death.

**

Yesterday, a person very dear to me (who shall, in the interest of privacy, remain anonymous) celebrated a birthday. Our history is complex. It is filled with many moments of both immense pain and overwhelming happiness. I am grateful for it all. To this person I just wish to say:

Happy Birthday, albeit belated. I hope you had an amazing day.

**

It was sixteen years ago today that I lost my only brother, Aaron Thomas Vanderbosch. That number seems so staggering to me. In some ways it feels as though it was only yesterday and in others it feels like it was a lifetime ago.

It’s difficult to know exactly what to say about Aaron. He was my brother. He was my worst enemy and, at times, my only ally. For the first thirteen years of my life, Aaron walked through this life with me. We shared the same home. We loved the same parents. We experienced many of the same joys. We endured many of the same heartaches and - although I have no way to confirm this - I suspect some of the same transgressions. He was my brother not only by blood, but also in arms. I miss him greatly. I long for the ability to connect with him. To reminisce about our pasts. To affirm each other. To be able to smile at each other and say “Yeah, I was there. That was real” and “Me too”.

Today is a sort of holiday for me. A time of memorial. A kind of private Veteran’s Day. He is my fallen brother and I remember him for his contribution to this life. I give thanks for the time we shared. I mourn the time we have lost.

**

I debated whether or not to write this post as it really has nothing to do with the film. I was concerned that it was somehow self-indulgent or gratuitous. In the end, though, I realized that there is truly no more appropriate a place to pay homage to these people that have affected me so greatly than on a website for a project that continues to transform my life daily.

I would like to ask, if I could, that those who read this refrain from writing any comments on this particular post. Thanks.

4:05 pm