Being married to a Brandon

Being a Patchel requires you to be adventurous.  Being Brandon (the eldest of three boys) means an adventure is not worth having unless there is an element of danger.

If you looked up the name Brandon you would find that it means brave.  His parent's could not have picked a better name for him.  Brave is defined as being ready to face and endure danger or pain.  From the time I met Brandon I knew he was different.  While most men seem to enjoy the activities the great outdoors have to offer, Brandon takes it to a new level.  He is extreme, he loves to do things others may fear, and he does not seem to waiver at all.  I have witnessed him facing scary moments head on without hesitation. The man thrives on things most would never want to go up against.  He waits for intense scenarios to happen just so he can conquer something bigger.  He has been given this hunger to go faster, hike farther, climb higher, and survive on less. 

So it should be no surprise that our family activities are harmonious with his life mentality.  In fact, our daughter was just 4 weeks old when we took her to a local climbing spot.  Do you see the picture to the right? They should send jogging strollers to him to test their limits (ours passed with flying colors).  He was so excited for her to hold her head up so he could use the hiking carrier.  Most recently she is able to sit up on her own, you guessed it, time to break out the bike seat.  All this is evidence he is beyond excited to share his passions with his family. This year he is pushing my own limits, walking me through things I never thought I'd do.  I thought I was hardcore, until I met him.  My goals linger in the shadows compared to his.   

This is not just with hobbies but with the way he looks at life in general.  I knew being married to him would never be boring.  He is always stepping out of the comfort zone most people have in life.  He is willing to put himself out there, into pain, or danger.  Brave in life's journey.  Uninhibited by the dangers that lurk.  I love him for this, and I hate him for this.  It scares me.  I worry I won't be protected if I have to face something scary. But one day, I hope to learn to completely let go of the fear, and trust God is in control.  When that day comes I know Brandon's wings will finally be free and the life we live will be the most glorious we've seen.  

God gave me someone who would be a step ahead of where I was and who was willing to push the limits farther than I ever thought I was willing to go.  I did receive God's best.