July 2006: Discoveries (cont.)

He found that I can get lost in the most straightforward physical situations. I found that he can read a map better than I can. He found that I can give straight, unencumbered answers to deep questions. I found that he can absorb information on a wide array of topics and give it back later with fluency and complete accuracy. I found that he loves a good story. He found that I can tell one.

I discovered that Brannon can whine about the heat with an intensity that would suggest the sun shines exclusively on him. He can also be utterly uncomplaining. (He broke his wrist in an accident on—or rather suddenly off—his cousin’s bike just before we left, and he never once so much as mentioned the nuisance of the cast and the disabled arm or being unable to swim with the other kids every evening.) I also discovered his generosity. I gave him twenty dollars at the beginning of the week, and he used half of it to buy gifts for his two brothers . . . and never asked for another cent.