Written By: Michael Sandoval

The “Brother”

I Never Had

“Blessing in Disguise”

I have mentioned a few times in my past blog entries that I have been blessed to be raised in a household primarily full of women. I have three older sisters and my mother alongside my dad that nurtured me. Although my childhood and adolescence was amazing, there was always a missing link. I remember growing up always wishing that I had a brother I could relate to or someone that I could play around and share experiences with. I thought of a younger brother that I could help, take care of and guide through life just as my sister had done for me.

I was eight years old when my beautiful sister Claudia had news that she would become a mother! I was super excited, but even more thrilled to know that there was a possibility that the baby could be a boy! To my dismay she would not be finding out the sex of the baby until it was born… .I was going to have to wait impatiently for 9 months…..

I remember the day! My sister went to the hospital and my mother went with. I was left to stay at home because I was a little too young to be in hospitals for extended periods of time. During those years cordless phones were not a norm. I sat next to the phone which lived inside of the kitchen for what seemed like hours…

The phone rang…. I picked up and my first question….. “Is it a boy, is it a boy”?….

Justin Jordan Vaseur was born …….. He was a healthy baby boy!

I remember hanging up the phone that afternoon and bouncing off of the walls as If I had won the World Cup or had received an Olympic Medal! I knew that my wish of having a “brother” had come true! I was determined to be a good Uncle and Friend; even at that young age!

Justin and I were inseparable… I wanted to be around his vibrant spirit every minute of the day! I couldn’t wait to get off of school so that I could play with him. I was so happy!

I remember his love for certain things like the movie Free Willy, hahaha. He would dance around the house holding his Killer Whale maneuvering it up and down as if it were swimming while listening to the movies musical soundtrack written by Michael Jackson. As soon as the song would finish he would start to shout, Villy, Villy, Villy (he couldnt pronounce Willy haha)….

We would build forts, play indoor baseball and have video game marathons…Paintball shooting, indoor trampolines, attempting to parkour and sooo much more !!!

Years later I taught Justin how to play the drums; he became a master surpassing anything that I ever showed him. I was proud of the dedication and determination that he was able deliver to accomplish the goals during that time.

Justin has since then become a shining light in the photography profession. I am fulfilled because he has been able to follow and continue his artistic journey despite of anything that surrounds him! It has truly been extraordinary to see this young man growing into the person that he is today.

This short blog is to celebrate the birth of this incredible man!

On July 19, 1991 at 12:38 in the afternoon the world received new human. “A Star Was Born”!

Justin, you may not know this but you have made my life better! You have fullfilled a void that I may have always had if you wouldn’t of been born!

Please don’t forget that you are destined for amazing achievements. I know that you will move mountains and accomplish great things in and for this world! We have been given a gift which is you, and you have also been given the gift of life! Cherish the moments and our family that will be by your side for anything that you need!

I am extremely proud to call myself your Uncle, be a member of your family and most importantly have you as…..

The “Brother” I Never Had