By Steve Brian, December 18, 2025
Whattup guys?
Thanks for grabbing breakfast with me. I wanted to talk to you about someth…
Hmmm, I see neither of you ordered the Chicken Fried Steak – strange – I guess that love affair did come later – but trust me – after you burn through your Eggs Benedict phase in college – you’ll eventually find the CFS – and when you do – your life will never be the same.
But that’s not the point.
I wanted to start by saying this – becoming the older version of you has been one of the greatest adventures of my life. I’m grateful for every day I get to be who I am because of the life experiences you gave me. I love you both so, so much. And I’m infinitely proud of the kids you are right now.
You see, underneath the chaos, the trouble, and the noise, you’re kind, funny, creative, thoughtful, and full of love. You have minds that work sideways, diagonally, and sometimes at full speed in the wrong direction – and that randomness? That is the source of all your creativity. Never stop creating from that place. Ever.
As you step into the next few years – that strange, magical space between being a kid and becoming a young man – there’s something I need to say. Something I wish someone had told me at your age:
You do not have to figure it out alone.
Not. Even. A. Little.
You have your parents. Your grandparents. Your siblings. Your friends. And – most importantly – you have yourself. Every one of those people is here to help you learn, grow, mess it all up, try again, and become the person you’re meant to be. Which, by the way, turns out to be me.
And I’ve got a few more things to tell you – there will be moments when you’re convinced that all grown-ups are just “old farts who don’t get it.” – and some won’t – but most of them do. Where you’re standing? They’ve been there. They love you like crazy and want the absolute best for you – even when they don’t always know how to say it.
When you’re feeling vulnerable, lost, or confused, talking with your family will always be the safest choice you can make. And if you don’t, I promise you this is one of the things you’ll say later: “I wish I had.“
Now listen closely to this part.
That constant need for motion, creation, stimulation – the thing that’s going to drive teachers a little insane? That’s not a problem. That’s a gift. It’s a superpower that makes you…you. It’s where your creativity, intensity, humor, and perspective come from. It’s the pair of sunglasses that lets you see the world in a rare and special way.
You won’t always get the attention you think you deserve for the effort you put in. Keep doing it anyway. Don’t do it for them. Do it for your self. And never stop.
You’ll eventually learn you have ADHD. How? Well…you’re gonna diagnose yourself because one of your kids has it, and you’ll suddenly recognize that you have every single symptom. Speaking of kids – you’re going to have two boys. Yes, they’re rad – Yes, 17, you still say “rad” – Yes, 13, they both have skateboards. Yes, you can still kickflip. No, you don’t still sag your pants.
Can we get back to the whole kids thing later?
For now, know this: the next few years will bring moments that feel lonely, confusing, overwhelming – sometimes all at once. That’s normal. You never have to go through it alone. Lean on the people who love you when you’re lost.
At the same time, learn to trust yourself when the world’s music turns into static noise. Not all well-meaning advice will line up with your inner compass. Learning to filter that out is part of becoming the man you’re already growing into.
Remember – middle school and high school are just small chapters in a very long story you’re in the process of writing. They won’t decide your future. But how you face these years will shape your character, your confidence, and the man you eventually become. Whatever happens, I’ll always be in your corner when you need me most.
And here’s the catch.
I still need you. More than you know.
You see, I’ve got two kids now, and I’m trying – failing, learning, and trying again – to help them navigate a world that looks nothing like the one you grew up in. So if you’re willing, I’d love it if you checked in on me from time to time. When you see me fumbling the parenting ball, give me a punch in the arm and remind me that we were idiots once too. Remind me to show up with patience, grace, and the fatherly presence you didn’t always get when you needed it most.
Anyway – I think we’ve covered the basics for now.
Why don’t the three of us figure out a way to collaborate on something rad.
I’ve been wanting to write a movie about the two of you for a while now.
Just sayin’ – maybe today, maybe tomorrow. But when we do…I won’t be able to do it without you.
Until then…later, skaters!
Steve Brian
Broker | OR
He/Him
Steve has made his career based on the concept that “service comes first.”
He has helped clients buy and sell homes on both sides of the river and has a strong understanding of what it takes to negotiate in a way that allows his clients to feel that their best interests are always at the forefront of the negotiation table. He has worked with first time buyers, upsizers, downsizers and investors alike, priding himself on being able to provide well-informed advice based on the current market and leaving the final decisions up to his clients!
After moving to Portland in 2002, Steve bounced around different neighborhoods on the Eastside of Portland and grew a love for straight shots of espresso. He has now planted roots with his family in the Terra Linda neighborhood of NW Portland and is a sucker for a delicious beer on a hot, summer day from one of the many local breweries in Portland. When he’s not wearing his “Steve the REALTOR®” hat, he likes to spend time in the water with his two boys or just put on some mud boots and find some trails to explore.
"Service Comes First!"
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- T: 503-720-2529
- steve@stevebrian.com
