Devontae.

Big D with Netta, left, and Bailey.

Those who’ve ready our blog for a while know Devontae’s my little brother (through Big Brothers Big Sisters). That’s how we initially met in 2003 when he was a wee little tot. Now he’s a man. A 16-year-old one anyway. His life has been chaotic and unpredictable for reasons beyond his control. He’s lived in a few different spots in Minneapolis and St. Paul with each parent, his grandma and now his uncle. His sisters are both having babies (not that babies are bad mind you!) and his brother is on probation. But Devontae doesn’t even cuss, he makes straight A’s, doesn’t drink. He’s got his eyes set on something way off in the distance, beyond the chaos that tries to distract him. He’s always been that way, I don’t get any credit. And it’s been a real honor and joy to be his friend.
A few years ago.

Sledding.

Sunday Josh came over with a huge tire tube as a birthday present for Art. It was real big, almost too big. The boys either had to ride on the sides or across their papa stretched over the top. But actually really fun and super thoughtful of josh to get us. Here’s grainy cell phone photo he sent:

and then later Devontae came over and we all went sledding again.

Wipe out.