Nearly a year ago it was Brent’s turn for his dinner out alone with his parental units. As he approached our booth at Chili’s I remember thinking that this was an adult man joining us. He was no longer the little boy who spent his childhood entertaining us with his quirky goofball personality.
I also remember thinking that in spite of his paint-and-spackle-covered work clothes, his blond hair, striking blue eyes, and confident stride made one forget his humble attire.
When Brent was a little boy he worked summers helping Attila with his handyman jobs. That first summer (when Brent was eleven) his “wages” consisted of lunch from Wawa – a big thrill indeed. He was perfectly happy with the arrangement!
Summer after summer, Brent continued to apprentice with Attila. Eventually he did get paid in actual US dollars. He also developed his father’s knack for fixing things and creating something out of nothing.
We used to video each child about once a year, repeating the same questions every time. This resulted in a wide array of answers depending on the age and mood of the child. One year, when Brent was asked what he wanted to be when he grew up, he soberly told the camera that he wanted to be “a carpenter, a comedian, or a bus boy.” Now he makes his living as the owner of Balla Custom Services, so he clearly “nailed” the carpenter part.
While Brent’s comedic silliness has been somewhat subdued by the realities of adulthood, he assures us that he still lets loose with extreme wackiness when at home with his beautiful wife. Lucky Tara! And his dream of becoming a bus boy? Well, we will just have to ask Tara how often he clears the dinner table.
Brent was never a big reader. He was more of a do-er. He attacks all activities with explosive enthusiasm. Some of his pursuits have included high school drama, singing, work camps, making music videos and short films, building a waterfall and pond in our back yard, organizing huge yard sales that brought in a surprising amount of cash, house renovations, college (he is three credits short of an Associate Degree) and building his own business. His passions are eclectic and tend to be very creative.
Brent is one of those people who is not afraid to make a fool of himself.
And sometimes, he can be a real superhero.
He knows how to get in and out of tight spaces!
As Brent became a young adult he was convicted that in order to press into the heart of God, he had to commit daily to delving into His word. At 5am you will find Brent reading his Bible and doing devotions.
Brent will turn 27 this April. I am so proud of the man he has become. In our last Christmas letter (2008!) he joked that he was homeless at the time. In a fairly short period of time he had gone from living in a rented house, to living in his grandmother’s basement, to living in his sister’s attic - all before getting married in December of that year. Sounds more like home-more than home-less to me!
In the winter of 2009-2010, Brent’s company managed to remain quite busy despite the stunted economy. He was able to offer employment to more than ten people (including four family members) who had no other job at the time. His company is currently booked through June 2011.
Brent’s faith, persistence, committment, and willingness to grow in the Lord, are an encouragement to others. Tara walks by his side – loving wife, best friend, and partner in silliness. Oh how we love them both!
