A Tale of Three Brothers

This morning my six year old was talking to his baby brother. I was running around getting lunches ready.

We were running a bit late. And after a night of no sleep the morning felt never ending.

I peeked over and saw Sawyer head first in Harbor’s car seat. He was talking to him in his loving, brotherly voice.

‘It’s your brother Harbor. Your big brother. I just love you baby.’

My heart absolutely melted. I watched Harbor stop fussing and grin at Sawyer. Those two. Already two peas in a pod.

As the morning went on, and I found some time to think, I let myself think about the future.

Three boys. Brothers. 8, 6 and 5 months.

One loves trains. One loves hockey. One is just happy to be smiled at.

One shows his brother just how much he loves him in typical ways. He talks with him. Snuggles him. Demands to hold him every morning, noon and night. Kisses him.

He has plans to teach him how to catch a fish and how to skate. He tells all his friends about him.

And the other, not so typical. But what he does is just as special.

You just have to pay attention.

He shushes everyone when his brother is sleeping. He runs his fingers through his baby soft hair but mostly when no one is looking.

He kisses him at the most random times. Fast. And loud. Always followed up with a giggle and a clap.

He grabs his car seat when its time to go…just to make sure we don’t forget him.

He blows raspberries on his tummy when he is really excited.

And he has carried photos of Harbor around every single day since he was born. Sometimes 5 or more. All of his brother.

Harbor doesn’t know that Cooper is autistic. Or that he can’t talk.

To him he is no different than Sawyer. And that’s just the way it should be. Brothers.

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