Band of Brothers. And Sisters.

As this posts tonight, the final band concert of the year, and the final high school band concert for MP, begins.

Band has been good for him. From the moment he started band camp, when he did not know a soul having transferred in days before, until he walks off (and then across) the stage, I hope he values what he learned.

Band is a where the kids can - within the comfort and safety of an extended family - find brothers, and sisters, friends (and sometimes future mates) for life, survive through conflicts and resolutions, and deal with the tears and smiles of life.

Band is not just music. Band is people ... people who come together for a common love and common purpose. It is where kids with no siblings or kids with more siblings than they care to count, kids with only older siblings or only younger siblings, kids with only sisters or only brothers, all can expand - or sometimes find - their family. And family is - or should be - love.

Cherish the memories and friendships, MP. Brothers by blood are important. And brothers - and sisters - by band are, too.