Another revolution around the sun for Chippy

Assuming I got my act together and posted this on schedule and this latest More Than a Speed Bump post is making an early morning debut on Tuesday December, 12th, it is Andy’s birthday…Happy early birthday Mr. Scott! I still get a kick out of hearing my baby brother referred to as Mr. Scott, but particularly one of the first times…

I’m sure I’ve mentioned it before that Andy is the varsity hockey coach at Beverly High School. Last winter I made the drive down one evening to watch one of Beverly’s games. As I watched the game from the bleachers I couldn’t shake the feeling that someone was staring at me. After a few quick glances confirmed my suspicions I realized it was a young student’s eye I had caught. After our eyes met in an awkward moment I had to break the ice (see what I did there? I was at a hockey game). “I’m sorry if I forgot, but have we met before?” I asked.

“Oh sorry,” she replied with a nervous laugh. “You look just like my math teacher Mr. Scott!”

“No, no, no, I replied, you’re math teacher looks just like me.”

I could tell that my humor was lost on her from the blank stare that my comment triggered as she had no idea what I was talking about, that I was Andy’s older brother and came first! Regardless, as she commented that “he’s the best”, I could barely contain my pride as I told her that Andy was my younger brother, and of course, that I knew him as “Chippy” . Before I get too far along in my younger brother’s birthday post I should probably give you the abridged background of Andy and my story.

Andy arrived four and a half years after me and I have to admit he was quite the adorable little baby who only got cuter when he donned the Mickey Mouse glasses. Before I knew it, Andy went from the annoying tagalong known as Walter Whiner to a young man becoming my best friend. Whether it was because we both played the same sports, sheer proximity, or the overall tightness of our family’s bond, as we got older we only became closer. Our lives changed forever over a 15 month period beginning in April of 2005 with Andy being paralyzed and my sustaining a Traumatic Brain Injury, but then again, nothing changed: Andy’s still an amazing young man who I’m proud to have as a brother.

Witnessing his journey to build a life where he positively impacts so many lives as a teacher and coach, and who with my favorite Sister-in law Katie, has given us two little angels (Nora and Ruby!) has been a privilege and inspiring. Of course, perhaps my favorite moment with Andy wasn’t exactly one for a Hallmark Movie…

After a particularly grueling day of rehab I returned home in a slightly defeated mood and headed for the couch. Shortly after laying down, Andy returned home and rolled by asking if I was ok to which, I mumbled something unintelligible before heading to my room to crash. This must’ve been in late 2007 or early 2008 as we were cohabitating with our parents, me enrolled in an intensive Day Rehab program at Portsmouth Hospital and Andy on sabbatical (that’s a euphemism) from UNH. I think my Mom sensed my frustration and encouraged Andy to go check on me after a bit.

“Hey buddy get up” said Andy as I looked up to to see my brother standing up with a walker.

“Wow, I didn’t know you could stand up: That’s awesome!” I exclaimed as I got to my feet (keep in mind, that day may have been the first time I saw him standing up after his accident).

As he stood there explaining that he could stand up with leg braces and a walker he motioned towards me saying “Come here and give me a hug.”

Without a pause or the slightest smile Andy continued, “Wow! I didn’t know you were so short!” So as I look at the year and do the math, I must say: Wow, you’re old! In all seriousness, I love you very much and wish you the happiest of birthdays!