O’ Brother Where Art Thou

For those that don’t know, I have a younger brother. Growing up, we had what I would term a typical older brother-younger brother relationship. If he wasn’t too annoying, I would allow him to hang out with me and my friends. When he was bothersome, my joy in having him around lessened greatly. For the most part we got along just fine.

Then there were the times that he would get me in trouble. As a matter of fact, when I went away to college, my parents apologized to me for years of misplaced blame. He apparently didn’t realize that not having his patsy in the house would place the blame on him. But I digress. We aren’t here to discuss the past. We are here to discuss the present. Not the kind in fancy silver wrapping. The time period. As in the here. The now.

What is happening now? Well, my brother and I get along pretty well now. We see each other a few times a year. We don’t argue or fight. And we generally enjoy each others company. Why do I bring this up? Well, I have two boys. It’s amazing how much watching them together makes me think of those days long ago.

My older son does things to take advantage of his brother. But then, the younger one will do something to get back at him. Their relationship is healthy if at times a bit contentious. I find myself smiling as I watch them. I try not to meddle too much in what happens. As long as no one is crying, or hurt, I try to let them figure things out for themselves. It worked for my brother and I. And I hope that one day, my boys will look forward to their visits with each other the same way I enjoy my visits with him.