drumroll please.....

Justin, my brother for those of you that don't know, has been playing the bagpipes for the past 12 or so years. We are still unsure where he got the idea to start at the age of ten, but it turned out to be a huge part of him. He was extremely talented from the start and advanced quickly. Two years ago he began playing with a Grade I pipe band in the San Francisco area. I remember when I first heard him play with the new band, how amazingly good they were. My heart swelled, and does now while recalling the moment. I was so PROUD.  

I admire his ability to commit to the thing he loves, to work at it. Last fall he joined another Grade I band, Triumph Street, in Vancouver and has spent the summer there for the competition season. This band is now threatening to knock the SFU Pipe Band off it's pedestal. These are four time World Champions. And if this bragging is not enough then here's more. Justin competed in a quartet over the weekend and took first place! Against seasoned players who knew each other well and two SFU quartets! I don't know if proud is sufficient anymore.

This weekend Justin travels to Maxville, Ontario for the North American Championships. As much as I love my adventure I would love to be in Canada to see him play. I feel inspired by him and the life he is creating for himself. My next opportunity to see him play is in Glasgow in August 2009 for the World Championships.  It's is a long time to wait, but I think I can do it.