Tuesday
Jan252011
I See The Future In Him
January 25, 2011 * * * * * Posted by: Puna 
This has been an incredibly cold month. But there is a warm spot in my heart for tomorrow is my brother's birthday. He will be 38. I am very proud of the man he's become. He's a hard worker, responsible, loyal and a loving father. He's a good brother also. He's very conscientious about my feelings and every time I go home to visit my parents, he will help me unpack the car if he happens to be there.
What else could one ask from a brother?
Well, the other thing is this. My kids adore him. That's him torturing my little girl. She loves it.
The harmonious relationship we enjoy today was not always present when we were young. My brother must have had a disorder that is known today as ADD. He would literally ping off of one wall and onto another. There was no such diagnosis back then so we watched helplessly but with some amusement at his antics.
I was the middle child so by definition I was the peacemaker, the negotiator. I had to use those skills to negotiate many confrontations between my older sister and my younger brother. It was a great burden at times. Their personalities were so different that even the slightest infraction became a major battle of wills. And me? I dislike confrontation so I would try to mediate - many times to my own physical safety. There were a lot of pulling hair and such -
To my sister's defense, my brother was the instigator of many of the conflicts. He was just an active child, a curious child and a creative child. He once took all of my mother's steak knives out to the back yard and attempted to cut down a very big tree. He almost did it too.
And then there was the time he jumped off the back porch two stories high using a trash bag as a parachute. I suppose he thought he was some kind of army ranger. Nothing was broken.
I believe my mother's blood pressure condition was greatly enhanced when he became a teenager. As the mother of a teenage son, I can empathize though back then, I watched helplessly as she struggled through the gamut of emotions from worry to anger to resignation. But I know this, a mother's love transcends all.
I have it much easier with my own son than my mother did with my brother. My son is calm and passive and until this year, was the perfect child. Recently he's become more of a typical teen. I can say that I hope this phase in his life passes soon. I think of him, particularly today. It gives me hope in a sense so thanks Brother.
And happy birthday.
Reader Comments (17)
Puna, what a precious photo to show us
what a lovely tribute to your brother. a big happy birthday to him.
Yes, indeed, Puna...a delightful tribute to your brother...and family and son and daughter. All of them. It takes a village! It takes a family. Now, is that you looking at us or your older sister (with you behind the camera)? Is that your dad, and your mom at the stove...and your son with his back to us. See? Now I just have to know. :D
Sounds like you and he have a wonderful 'adult' relationship. Wonderful way to 'celebrate' his birthday! Happy Birthday Bro!!!!
Wonderful photo. As the mother of a son who has ADHD, I understand.
What a beautiful post, Happy Birthday to your brother.
I LOVE this photo. Action, blur, happiness, harmony, and food. So great....the narrative was frosting to a fantastic moment that says, "Family Fun." Super.
Thank you all . . . the photo was taken by my husband. It is of my children, my brother, my mother, my step-father and yours truly . . .
I share your enthusiasm for "brothers." I am visiting mine right now, and there is no place I would rather be. We fought lots when we were young, but we are the best of friends now and are always there for one another.
Happy, happy birthday to your little brother!! I didn't have siblings growing up, but my two sons liked to torment each other. Unfortunately there was no middle child to act as mediator . Thankfully, though, they've both grown up and actually have a good time together! Hallelujah!!
Family is so important. Happy Birthday to your brother! I grew up in between two brothers, plus a little sister. I so get what you are saying. But now, we are all close and would do anything for each other.
What a wonderful tribute to your brother and what a great family shot. Love it.
Happy belated to your brother ...
what a lovely family scene you show and write about (particularly relevant to me right now as i'm sitting in the kitchen of my old family house, arrived in the uk last night...here with family)... your family sounds very close, and together - i love that, and the love you have for them pours out of yours words. slightly belated, but happy happy birthday to your wonderful brother!!
Belated happy birthday to your brother! Love that image: so full of 'family' and love.
This is a beatiful tribute to your brother. I'm jealous of your lovely family...
Happe belated birthday to your brother.
Beautiful family picture and a really nice tribute to your brother.