By Brydon Brett
I’m an uncle. Uncle Brydon. When Ivan Thomas Perkins was born to my sister and her husband, Merrill, I had a rush of thoughts and feelings. I first wanted the doctors to check to see if Ivan had a concussion. Why? Well, Briahna didn’t miss a show during her pregnancy and Ivan was just rolling around in there like a little hamster for nine months. So I figured the chances were high. He was fine.
My next thought was, “That kid’s going to need a helmet if I’m ever going to hold him.” I’m not the best with kids ya’ know. Parenthetically, many people wonder if I was dropped on my head as a child. No I wasn’t, but it sure would save me a lot of explanation time every day. “Brydon, why did you wear flippers and a 90-gallon foam cowboy hat during How Great Thou Art today?” “Oh, my dad dropped me on my head when I was a child.” Next topic.
My most poignant thoughts were not, however, about the helmet Ivan might need to protect him from his uncle’s clumsiness, or about dirty diapers (I had that concern as soon as I heard Briahna was getting married), or even about the wonder of new life. No, my deepest thoughts were thoughts of responsibility.
I felt a deep sense of responsibility as I looked at that little dude. I realized that he’s going to be watching me, taking his cues from me, learning from me. I realized I would need to watch even more carefully the things I say and do. I realized that he has been born into a great world, but a rough world. There are a lot of winds and turns, bumps and valleys. And I have the responsibility to help him, to impart what I know, to encourage, and to be a good example. This is a sobering thought.
We all could use a little Ivan in our lives to remind us of our duty to the rising generation. True, they are our future, but right now we represent their future. They look up to us. They will emulate us. They will build on our shoulders. What messages are you sending? What wisdom are you imparting? We all have something to contribute to a young life, and even though they may give you the glazed over stare of a teenager or a two-month old baby, they’re listening. They’re watching. They’re learning.
I recently attended a customer service training called “Give ‘Em the Pickle.” It was all about giving your customer what they want. Well, Ivan and the rest of the rising generation need (and want) strength and fortification to be protected from falling on their heads in a crazy world. We can give them this protective head gear every day by modeling, leading, and teaching. So, I say “Give ‘em the helmet.” And do it every day. They’re gonna’ need it.
Incredibly well said Brydon!
Thank you for noticing Lisa! You’re awesome! Seriously. See you soon? – Brydon
You are so right. They are watching, listening, and learning. And Ivan is so
fortunate to have Uncle Brydon to look up to. What a wonderful, special picture!
We love your entire family.
Amen! And that picture is pretty good huh? Ivan is really just a cool little dude. Hope y’all are doing really well! – Brydon
Great Video’s of singing. I enjoyed the Tuxsedo Basketball and my good friend
Karlyn playing the piano. I have always enjoyed your shows when they come on
BYU TV. Great Entertainment. One of these days I am going to come and see
the show in person!!! Keep that great talent coming forth.
Carol Wintersteen
Carol! We hope you can come to Branson soon too! It’s quite a different experience than seeing the show on TV for sure. We’ll keep rolling out the talent if you’ll keep on supporting it. Thank you so much Carol!
thanks for the great reminder Brydon! I’m sure you wouldn’t get to hold Ivan if anyone thought you were gonna drop him!
Haha! That was the day after his birth. My track record has worsened and I am now only allowed bi-weekly visitation. But I’m coping.
Just kidding. Make a great one! – Brydon
Brydon, I loved your comments about Ivan. So true! You’ll do great as an uncle. I wish I could share this with more uncles. Be seeing you in November. Oh, Yes, please tie your shoes tight when we see the show. I don’t want another shoe to hit me! Love ya, Aunt Kim
Aunt Kim! I hope I do great as an uncle. So far things are going well, and I haven’t changed a single diaper. Oh yes! Can’t wait to see you in November! I’ll wear sandals just for you. Loves! – Brydon
Hooray! I finally get to see a picture of Ivan even if it is with Brydon. Janie and I have been trying to get down to Branson to see the baby (I know Janie is a couple up on me) but something always seems to come up. If I don’t get there soon, the baby things I have for Ivan will have to be traded in for a baseball bat & glove………ha, ha. Anyway, I hope we see all of you soon and get to hear how Garon is doing.
We should be able to do a Garon update soon Linda.
See you soon!
Very good journalism, Brydon. You should be a writer of short stories. I enjoy all of your comments about the family and other things. You have a flair with the keyboard (notice I didn’t say pen) to elaborate on a subject and make it funny or interesting so that people want to read and, when you are on stage, people like to listen. Hope to see you soon.
Well, thank you for that compliment Linda. Some times I wonder if anybody wants to listen, so your encouragement is so…encouraging! Anyway, we just have to see again soon don’t we? Whenever it happens I’ll be happy. Be good! – Brydon
Dear Uncle Brydon! This morning I have read your “helmet” article, and it has touched a very vulnerable part of my heart. When children (of all ages) aren’t expressing their need for something (crying, etc.), they are silently taking in their world. Their wide eyes and keen ears soak up our attitudes, movements, and voices, whether we speak in anger, frustration, love, or fear. Their inner computers (for lack of a better term) download it, and it becomes the framework for their lives. I pray that many will read your article and adjust their lifestyles accordingly. We pledge to pray for your family (especially little Ivan), and I trust that you will be a stunning example of God’s manhood as you have always been. (By the way, excellent composition! Made my day!
Mrs. E.
Mrs. E.! Your comment means so much, especially the compositional kudos. Haha! Thank you for your insights. They are spot on as usual. I hope your family is doing really well. We all love you and appreciate your prayers and support so much. I’ll keep on trying to write good posts because your praise honestly meant a lot. Hope to see you again soon Mrs. E.! – Brydon
We loved your show! First trip to Branson – exceptional entertainment and appreciated so much the Christian atmosphere we found everywhere.
Especially thrilled that your dad graduated from TCC – former president Dr. Shelby Elliott and Connie are close friends. I pray God’s continued rich blessings for you and your family. Gloria Smith
Thank you for taking the time to express appreciation Gloria. It was great seeing you at the show and we hope to see you again soon! TCC all the way!
and that is just a taste of what a dad feels! Congrats Uncle! you will do awesome!!
Thank you for the encouragement and congratulations Gwen! Hope you’re doing well.
– Brydon
Wooo! Congrats! And very well said! I was looking for the “like” button. Haha I know without a shadow of a doubt that you will be a great Uncle. Hahaha But seriously, the little dudes’ lucky to have an uncle like you to look up to. Just make sure you tell him a little about the things we used to do together, like making weird faces or the hand game or the desrtoyeringlyed DESTROYED! game or the fighting with the legs came and all the others… Hahaha! Congrats bro! And to your whole family! Especially Briahna and her husband!
Love!
Kelan! I’ve already “destroyed” Ivan 27 times, and we kick fight daily. He’s fighting very good for a three-month old. Haha! Hey man, I love ya and I miss ya. I’ll be seeing you and your lovely bride soon. Be good my friend! – Brydon
Hey Brydon, That was very good. I know from being a father that its the most rewarding and hardest thing I have ever done. It scares me to think that such a beautiful, special little girl came to me. But she is an inspiration to me. I want to be a better person. You and your family are also an inspriation to me. I love your show and I think the world of you all.
Anyway,
Take care
Tom
Tom, you inspire me brother, and my family loves you a lot. Thank you for always being so kind and encouraging. It goes a long way. I hope your 2011 is going really well man. Keep in touch! We’ll be seeing you soon I’m sure! – Brydon