Wednesday, December 26, 2007
Brotherhood
My mother-in-law, the educator, psychologist and child-development expert, has pointed out that even siblings raised in intact households do not grow up in the same family. The oldest child has a markedly different view of his or her family than the youngest, and heaven help the unfortunate ones caught in the netherland between the two. You don't have to listen to my mom and aunt recall too many tales from childhood to realize the wisdom of my mother-in-law's perspective.
That this principle holds true in our family has been obvious for some time. Christmas morning was just the latest venue for observing it. Boo unwrapped a mock-up of the space shuttle, complete with solid rocket boosters, fuel tank, astronauts, and a countdown clock. "I've always wanted this!", he shouted. And then, without taking a breath, he volunteered, "I'll share this with you, Max!"
Contrast this with the present Max made at school for our family: a midnight blue Christmas ornament stamped with his small snowy handprint. Each finger had been embellished with black Sharpie to depict the members of our family. "Look!" he observed, without any trace of self-consciousness. "Here's Mommy and Daddy and me and Harley and Cassie! I didn't have room for Boo!" He pointed to the leash drawn carefully between thumb and forefinger. "And I'm walking Harley!"
Let's see. Boo reflexively offers to share his most prized Christmas present with his big brother. And Max edits Boo straight out of the family portrait, relegating him in status to just beneath the family dogs. Is the dichotomy comical or poignant? I suppose that all depends on whom you ask.
That this principle holds true in our family has been obvious for some time. Christmas morning was just the latest venue for observing it. Boo unwrapped a mock-up of the space shuttle, complete with solid rocket boosters, fuel tank, astronauts, and a countdown clock. "I've always wanted this!", he shouted. And then, without taking a breath, he volunteered, "I'll share this with you, Max!"
Contrast this with the present Max made at school for our family: a midnight blue Christmas ornament stamped with his small snowy handprint. Each finger had been embellished with black Sharpie to depict the members of our family. "Look!" he observed, without any trace of self-consciousness. "Here's Mommy and Daddy and me and Harley and Cassie! I didn't have room for Boo!" He pointed to the leash drawn carefully between thumb and forefinger. "And I'm walking Harley!"
Let's see. Boo reflexively offers to share his most prized Christmas present with his big brother. And Max edits Boo straight out of the family portrait, relegating him in status to just beneath the family dogs. Is the dichotomy comical or poignant? I suppose that all depends on whom you ask.
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