Parade.

Before we get into today's post, I want to preface with this is not a political post. I ask and pray you read this with the lens of it being a story of two friends meeting.

A lot of you have been asking about my brother, Zach, and if he would be appearing again sometime soon. Well, today is your day.

When Zach was in his late elementary school year or early middle school years, one of his favorite things was going to parades. Being in the suburbs of Chicago, we have the treat of hosting some pretty cool floats, and guests. Over the years, as most of you have probably noticed, most parades include mainly politicians looking to connect with the public and gain votes.

Zach, we have always joked, would either become a politician or a plumber, due to his knack of knowing no stranger, and his pants somehow always falling halfway down his butt within minutes of putting on his pants, regardless of how tightly we put on his belt.

This particular parade was in the late Spring. I, being the "too cool" high school student, decided to skip the parade and sleep in, to my own detriment. My parents and Zach secured a spot in the downtown area of our town, making sure to get a curb so Zach could quickly snatch up the candy that was thrown out to parade goers back then.

After the bands, dancers, singers, and general festivities, the politicians walked down the street. Aside from the candy, this was Zach's favorite time. He wanted to shake all of the hands, regardless of political leanings. Any human connection Zach makes, gives him life. Patiently, he waited on the curb, his arm stretched out waiting for the large line of people who were seeking new acquaintance with the voters of our town to shake his hand.

Now, if you know my family, have met or seen my little brother, it is clear that Zach is different from others. Born with part of his brain missing, Zach has conquered all odds of survival and is thriving now at 25 but not without serious varied abilities.

On this day, Zach, so eager to meet any and all slowly became more and more down cast as every, single, politician passed by, not wanting to shake his hand. Some giving a nod of notice before pulling their hand back, not wanting to "catch" whatever Zach might have been "carrying" that made him look, and behave the way he did. My parents hearts broke, watching their son be completely ignored by "people of importance" because he was different.

Still with his hand stretched out and hopeful, Zach waited...when a dark car pulled through the parade. The windows were a little tinted, and surrounded by men protecting it. It slowly passed, but then stopped, halting the rest of the parade with it. Out stepped a young, hansom, man in a suit and tie, his eyes set on my little brother. He calmly walked over to Zach with a wide smile on his face, waved on the security and car to continue with the parade, and sat down on the curb next to my brother. He shook his hand, and answered the numerous questions asked ranging from what he had for breakfast that day to how many kids he had. Zach learned about his two daughters, Malia and Sasha, and his wife, Michelle, and all of their various Halloween costumes throughout the years.

This conversation lasted about 10 minutes, when the man said he had to meet up with his group at the end of the parade, so they could make it to the next one he was to appear in.

Needless to say, Zach was giddy with happiness of meeting his new best friend, and would tell anyone all about his encounter.

A few years later, Zach would run around the house screaming, "MOM! MOM-MY FRIEND BARACK IS PRESIDENT!"

Noticed. Zach was noticed by someone we had no idea who he was at the time, but would come to lead our country for two terms as president.

The story continues...check back on Thursday for part two.

Until then,

Cheers!

Sam Jo.