From Russia With Love.

In today's Minneapolis Star Tribune sports section, an article was written about the Wayzata football quarterback. It is a story of ordinary miracles, family, and triumph. Read the article here

However, there is another story that was not written. One about a different Sasha. A Sasha who was also born in far away Russia to a woman I do not know... but I do love her. She has given me the greatest gift this world has blessed me with thus far. She gave me a little brother. Someone to watch over. Someone to hang out with and pontificate the meaning of life sixteen year old style. This gift, my brother, is now thriving in the midst of 10th grade at Edina High School. Today, he does not go by the name, "Sasha". He is Alex, or more affectionately, Bugly, little man, punk, brother, son.

Alex was all conference for the Edina High School alpine ski team this past year as a freshman. He spends nearly every moment in the cold winter months at Highland Hills, braving the cold with a smile not only on his face, but in his heart. Skiing is his passion, and he truly excels at it. It is his master craft. After all, how many freshman achieve all conference status. While we, his family, think of him as the next Bode... but better, it is not his skiing talent that makes this kid special. It is his heart.

Alex is the single kindest person I have ever met. He has been blessed with a sweet soul. I have yet to see him in a bad mood. Seriously. If there was somebody I wish to be more like, it is him. He is a living example to all who meet him on how to be a little kinder, a hard worker, and a little more honest. This kid is a star on and off the ski slope, the MSHSL alpine books document his achievements between the gates. Unfortunately, they do not keep records of his contribution to his family, friends, and community. He is a quiet leader. He leads not through inspiring speeches and grand gestures, but through example. He has signed up to be a small group leader at his church for middle school kids. He is selfless in every moment of his life. He is simply one in a million. I am fortunate to be able to call him brother.

The love and pride that I have for him is infinite. He has taught me more about compassion and love than any single other person ever has and probably ever will. I do not know who I would be today without his presence. He is that profound. Even at sixteen years young, this kid touches lives... and not just those in his immediate family. He has served as Jr. best man in a close friend's wedding. I watched from the groom's side with pride while he stood up for "our" friend. He believes in fair play even if it puts him at the disadvantage. He is a wonderful kid. There simply is no me without him. Actually, there would be no "family" without him. He made our blended family a family. No more his and hers... just a family. He is a gift. What we did to deserve him, I simply cannot comprehend. I stand in awe of my brother.

I am eternally grateful that a little boy born in Tomsk, Russia found a place to officially call home in Edina, Minnesota. I sit here and write this, and cannot help but to think about his birth parents. I know that if they met him today, they too would be proud. He is our own family miracle. He makes his entire family better human beings. He walks in love and friendship. He is my hero.

Alex,
I wish that I had 10 brothers just like you. You are the single most important soul I know. You have taught me that family is not about DNA... it is about love. You have shown me how to be a kinder, gentler, more loving, patient person. You have reminded me about the fun of being in high school. Enjoy your time Bug, it goes pretty fast. It is with great pride that I call you my favorite brother. (alright, so you are my only brother...details) You are amazing. I love you. You are now and always will be MY athlete of the week. Love you, little man.
Love from your favorite sister,
Future Queen of the House

"We witness a miracle every time a child enters into life. But those who make their journey home across time and miles, growing withing the hearts of those who wait to love them, are carried on the wings of destiny, and place among us by God's own hands."