The Invaluable Things He’ll Teach Him

I have three boys.

They are 9, 6 and 1.

The older one giggles a lot. He loves the Price is Right and Steve Harvey from Family Feud. Especially Plinko and when the answer is any price in the thirties.

He doesn’t say much but he sure can get his point across.

So, if you have a question for him, don’t be afraid to ask. Give him a minute to respond though.

I promise you he’s listening. He just needs to process.

The middle one is the one with the larger than life personality. Some days I swear he is 15 years old.

He is just like his dad. Athletic and social and popular. I am not any of those things. I prefer being home with a cup of coffee and a good Hallmark movie or being out in the woods walking my dog.

Not those two though. I am from a foreign planet they say.

But he also has an emotional side like me. Which stresses his dad out to no end. I secretly love it.

He will notice when you’ve decorated your house for a new season and make sure to tell you it looks nice. He will also ask you for a recipe if he likes your cooking.

That makes me smile every time.

And the baby. Oh my heavens that baby.

He tries to put his shoes on. And absolutely loves playing in the dog’s water dish. He recently learned how fun it is to be outside and I fear I may never see him again.

He is very social but loves to be held tight. He’s also a terrible sleeper and appears to be proud of it. That part scares me.

Yesterday, I was spending the afternoon doing puzzles with the older one and the baby while the middle one was at hockey with his dad.

I’ve come to realize lately that as the middle one grows up, his schedule gets busier. Every day it’s a birthday party, play date or practice of some sort.

It’s great. He thrives when busy.

Because the older one struggles to leave our house we often split us a family. That’s our life. It’s not ideal, but it’s okay.

As the older one was doing his puzzles, three to be exact…I know it was three because he needed me to show him ‘three’ with three fingers every few seconds to help him stay focused. And once the three puzzles were done he got iPad time. He was very excited.

While we were gasping at trains and letters and elephants, the baby was roaming around. Very busy like. Playing. Getting in the way like little brothers should.

Attempting to climb on his older brother. Taking his things.

The older one doesn’t like babies much. Not at all actually. But this one, he seems to have deemed okay. It’s beautiful.

When the baby gets to be too much, he will give him a gentle push back. A reminder of sorts. Unfortunately, the little one typically takes that as an invitation to bother him even more.

As I was watching them ‘play,’ I started thinking about their relationship.

They are 8 years apart.

That’s a lifetime for siblings.

My sister and I were 5 years apart and didn’t really have much of a relationship until I was in college.

But these two, I think it’s going to be different.

For one brief second I thought about the older one giving him his first beer, teaching him to drive and maybe even sharing his own secrets to throwing epic house parties while mom and dad are out of town.

But that probably won’t happen.

Then I let myself think about all of the things he will teach him though.

They came flooding in as I watched the baby steal the last puzzle piece and run away giggling. The older one pointing and screaming, confused as to why this little person was bothering him.

The older one will teach him patience.

And unbelievable kindness.

He will teach him bravery.

And how to protect and defend.

He will teach him to stand up for what is right. And speak out against injustice.

He will teach him compassion. And understanding.

He will teach him about overcoming adversity. And success. And never giving up.

He will teach him that it is okay to stand out. And be different. And that success can be found off of the beaten path.

He will teach him humor and joy. And to find the beauty in the little things.

He will teach him that the best parts of life can’t always be seen or heard. But instead felt with your heart.

He will teach him about love.

I felt myself tear up as I watched them run around my living room.

He will teach him about his magical world that only he can see.

He will teach him what it means to be a brother.

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