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Christi MacNee

Zenitude #43: Man-Cub To Man: A Letter To My Brother


A birthday wish this 23rd day of December, 2015 for Mitchell, my brother.

The man-cub was born and I was his old soul sister at 13 ½-years-old. Heather his old soul sister at 4. Little man-cub Mitchell was the third of four children. Although I have a different biological father, we all shared our mother’s womb. A cherished and safe place under her beating heart. Our bloodline connection. And when this man-cub entered the world he was (and still is) a bright and extraordinary spirit. With white blonde “Billy Idol” hair, “Frank Sinatra” ocean blue eyes, that “Mitchell Elliot” mischievous, silly-head smile, and his “he-he-he-he-he” laugh, he will always melt my heart.

Mitchell, had an inquisitive, playful nature, as man-cubs always do. He was obsessed with the 1980-something tattered and worn Sears Toy Wish Book Catalog he carried across the floor with a frayed rope. He had every page memorized. Every toy analyzed. In the other hand, a flashlight (always with batteries). Because, well, a man-cub would never be caught in the dark without access to toy dreams – especially when hiding out from other siblings. And he hated when I left home. Our sister, hated when I left home. For many, many years, the youngest brother, Gordon, (almost 19 years younger than I am and a mere 8 months old when I left home) thought I was a loving, friendly visiting cousin or a leprechaun or something, but definitely not a sister. “Is she our cousin?” True story.

And so the darling man-cub grew to be a handsome man. So many memories (some too embarrassing to divulge, some that included fire, some that included fairy butts). Today we celebrate his 35th birthday. But where did the time go? How is he 35? There are moments when all I see is that blonde little boy with his catalog, rope and flashlight. As his 11-year-old daughter eloquently and frequently states <insert hands on hips>, “you can’t postpone me.” Just as she continues to grow and blossom into a young woman and will not have anything to do with postponement, he has grown to be a remarkably intuitive, cheerful, loving, giving, wonderful father, brother, son and man.

Although years separate us, it hasn’t mattered (in his words "what years?"). We have encouraged each other through some rough and challenging times. But this I know. From the first moment I held him in my arms, until now, when he engulfs me with great big bear hugs, he has a heart so bright, so full of enthusiasm, hope, light and love.

You will always be my little man-cub, bro. But I honor how courageous, loving, generous and spirited you are as a man. I wish you happiness, peace, love, joy, hope, dreams come true and manly toys. Today I celebrate you. Happy birthday, Mitchell!

Zenitude for today:

Surprise someone. Celebrate a “superstar” who has impacted your life – past or present.

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