In a little over a week, my younger brother will be loading up our parents' truck and heading west – just as I did about two years ago, also as a fresh post-secondary graduate.
He recently graduated from a forestry program and has been offered a great summer position in Manitoba, just as I found great opportunity in western Canada when I graduated.
Mom likes to say it's a “coming of age” for young adults to move west for a few years. She and my dad did when they were first married and stayed for about three years before moving back home. Mom also encourages that last part – moving back.
Though mom and dad would like to take some credit for Dylan's longing to move west, I'd like to think my moving to Alberta has had a pretty big impact as well. I mean, what better role model than a big sister, right?
Perhaps not in this case. Dylan and I could not be more opposite. Or so I've always thought.
Being four years apart in age and his being born as my second brother and not a younger sister did not set the two of us up for a smooth sailing friendship.
Sure, we played together. However, a lot of those games consisted of our older brother, Bradley, and I gaining up on Dylan and somehow convincing him it was fun.
That was fun for a while. At least until Dylan caught on and eventually grew taller and faster than me.
My moving to Alberta and seeing Dylan once a year has done wonders for our cats and dogs relationship. And I'm sure growing up has helped to dissolve the constant competition between us. But let's be honest; do sibling rivalries ever really end?
But, as much as we like to get one another in trouble, I'm sure we can both admit we do care for each other and are a lot closer than we'd ever admit – especially to our parents. There, I said it. Mom – you better frame this one or no one will ever believe it.
And I'm sure Dylan will say it was a coincidence that he decided to move west after graduation, as I did. Just like when he decided to become a forest ranger after me.
Maybe it is a coincidence. Or maybe we actually have a few things in common. No, it can't be that.
As much as we love to argue I think we're both excited he will be a whole province closer this summer. And all of a sudden, the 10 hour-ish drive to Winnipeg doesn't seem so far.
My mom thinks once Dylan is finished his summer contract in Manitoba and heads to Alberta to visit me he will stay, as I have. Even though I said it would never happen, my one-year plan in Alberta has turned into two and counting.
She thinks it will be the Rockies, the great opportunities, the increase in pay and lower taxes that will sway Dylan to stay in Alberta. And those factors might be strong pros, but let's not forget the biggest pull to Alberta – getting to annoy and argue with his big sister all over again.
And that right there is reason enough to settle down in Alberta, if you ask me.
