The Best Gift

Today my nephew Zhak transitioned from “plain five” to age six. I think he had more people joining in his festivities than I did last summer when I celebrated my milestone birthday. (No, I didn’t turn 30, but thank you for thinking that!). Tonight’s occasion was marked with dinner at Applebee’s (Zhak’s favorite restaurant), followed by cake and ice cream at home with 14 of his closest family and friends. The kid is a social butterfly! And boy did he make a haul in the presents department: Books and games and movies and a Leapster2 Learning System. Today may be his birthday, but he receives a special gift on a daily basis. He has a brother who adores him.

Interestingly, it was my sister’s intention to accept a referral of a little girl from China, but all along Zhak told her he’d instead be getting a brother. How did he know?!? I was fortunate to have been a part of their incredible journey and traveled to the Far East with the two of them for the adoption of the newest member of our family. I witnessed then firsthand the instant bond that seemed to form between the boys. They’ve been inseparable since. Oh sure, they’re siblings and some type of rivalry is a given, but Deni relays more heartwarming tales than horror stories. Zhak is usually the one to back down in times of conflict, and not once has he told her he no longer likes his brother and wants to send him back. “I love my Kaden!” he repeatedly claims. (Amusingly, he recently indicated that a sister would now be nice as well. Uh, yeah. I don’t know how Deni does it as it is by raising two rambunctious boys at our age, but she wisely told him that ain’t gonna happen.) Zhak takes his role as a big brother very seriously and instinctively takes care of his di di (little brother). Many a night Deni has awakened to hear Kaden crying only to discover he’s crawled into bed with and is being comforted by Zhak singing the moon song to him. Is it any wonder why Kaden loves his ge ge (big brother)? He’s become a Mini Me in emulating Zhak’s every word and action. For children who have come from very different backgrounds, they are like two peas in a pod and joined at the hip. Is it obvious that these exceptional boys have a special place in my heart?

Happy Birthday, Zhak! I love you and your Kaden!