My daughter’s first sentence, “Aidan pushed me!” can accurately sum up most sibling relationships in the ebbs and flows of a life. As a family historian and generally nosey individual, it’s been interesting to watch them grow apart, together, apart and together again–even before they’re out of high school.
The default setting of a new family member is encouraging–a two year old’s inquisitive look in the hospital and sloppy kiss. Then the parents go through stages of trust and fear as the toddler gets close–but not too close to the baby.
…even if he tries to cover his tracks.
Abby came into this world as a trusting soul and continues to be that way toward nearly everyone, except her brother. He’s earned that distrust. After ten years or so of offering him half of her allowance and a “bite” of her ice cream that became 7/8 of her ice cream, she has grounds.
But lately, there have been signs that they’ll never admit, that they are heading back to their close-relationship in the hospital that day when he leaned over and gave her a joyful kiss and called her “alligator.” They’re both very involved in Royal Oak’s drama program and have at least found a common denominator–their mom’s thespian leaning.
It seems like it’ll never arrive, that the argument in the backseat between the two car seats will never end. But suddenly they’re hanging out in the same zip code without yelling.
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Kevin, I used to fight with my middle sister viciously but we became friends, especially after I moved on to college and life. It just happened. It will for Aidan and Abby, too.
Love the pictures and narrative! Great job, Kevin!