Sweet together - Maxime teaching Gabriel how to play Risk

This summer, Maxime seems to have shifted somehow, his view of his brother flooding now toward an 'equal' in many ways. The age difference is significant, and with Gabriel a baby boy, there was just not much they could really share together, truly as brothers.

This summer, that has changed. Maxime loves to teach him things, and we note with joy that he looks after Gabriel much more than he used to. Kind of ironic. When Gabriel was really small, and could have used Maxime's help and watchful eye, Maxime could not. And now that Gabriel needs no help, Maxime is ready and willing.

Funny bunny.

Then there is Gabriel's fierce independance factor. It is rare that he will accept help from anybody in the first place. Fiercely independant is an understatement.

The way we figure it, he is a born leader. It is actually Gabriel who looks after his friends and guests.

But there is more. It is actually Gabriel who looks after his parents.

There is no more generous boy I have ever known. Whenever anyone has less, he gives his own. Without an iota of hesitation. There are hundreds of examples of this.

Natalya and I always just look quietly at each other, and smile. Food, games, walking, driving, restaurants, anywhere and everywhere. Gabriel just gives.

Please note Gabriel's finger on the temple. Sitting like an Oxford don, listening to a student defend his thesis.

But I got off track. Back to Maxime, and this Risk game. So Maxime was all enthusiastic to teach Gabriel Risk. And, of course, Gabriel was thrilled that his older brother was going to teach him a big boy game, a game he had eyed from afar for a couple years, as Maxime plays often with Simeon.

Gabriel's hand.

Maxime's hand.

And off they went. Maxime taught him for a few hours. And Gabriel concentrated with all seriousness, and many questions. All of which Maxime patiently explained, with barely concealed enthusiasm.

A little excerpt of their sweet afternoon together: