"What is a brad?" Kieran was reading the directions in his craft book and puzzled over the unfamiliar word. I explained it was a little brass fastener that would make the paper doll's joints bend. "Do we have any?" he wanted to know. We did. That was all he wanted to know. He had spotted this project and he was sure his little sisters would love it.
He was right.
I remember standing in the driveway chatting with the neighbors many years ago. We had just learned we were expecting our fourth child. The beautiful blonde nurse across the street was flabbergasted. "Don't you want the best things for your kids?" she asked rhetorically feeling, as she did, that there would not have been a third much less a fourth if we did.
In fact I wanted the very best. I wanted them to have trusted friends. I wanted them to have good advice and a helping hand. I wanted them to have a sympathetic comrade, one so familiar he knew exactly what would make your day - and then set out to do just that.
Watching Kieran invest hours in his younger brothers and sisters - as his older brothers and sisters have done for him - I feel pretty sure they've got that.
I, who have no sisters or brothers, look with some degree of innocent envy on those who may be said to be born to friends.
James Boswell
Beautiful post and oh, my goodness, what a wonderful quote.
Posted by: Kimberlee | June 27, 2012 at 12:15 AM
as an only child myself I do feel that way!
Posted by: Kim | June 27, 2012 at 12:27 AM
My husband was an only child, and I was 9 when my only sibling was born. We feel the same way, watching our 6 with each other. Good post!
Posted by: Wendy in VA | June 27, 2012 at 01:56 AM
This was a gorgeous post. What a loving brother. It was so nice to see and made me for a brief moment lament that I only had too. Congratulations on making such gorgeous kids.
Posted by: Cath Fraise | June 27, 2012 at 04:47 AM
As a mama to seven, I really like that quote. We are far from being a picture perfect family, but my kids truly are each others best friends. +JMJ+
Posted by: annita | June 27, 2012 at 12:49 PM
There is nothing perfect this side of heaven far as I can figure. ; ) But there is grace and that covers a multitude of imperfections and even big old screw-ups.
Posted by: Kim | June 27, 2012 at 01:33 PM
Love this post! I can think of no greater gift for a sibling, than a new brother or sister. I pray my children will always be best of friends!
Posted by: Laura | June 27, 2012 at 05:21 PM
I can't believe someone said that, yikes! Our fifth is a month old today. We went to visit my husband's family. His mother is one of seven, and they are close.Most of the remaining siblings live in the same city (a couple have died). I watched my mother in law at dinner with her sister,,,our new baby is named for them both,,,and said something about having so many siblings. They both said together, "I wish we had more!" These old ladies,,their own parents long dead, children away living their own lives,,,but they had each other.
Posted by: melanie | June 29, 2012 at 03:01 PM
As we begin to lose older family members the whole issue takes on new dimensions. What a blessing to have contemporaries through life.
Posted by: Kim | June 29, 2012 at 06:23 PM