I am reposting this from August 8th…partly because I have been a wee bit under the weather and am not feeling particularly inspired to write much just now and partly because I just LOVE my brothers….all SEVEN of them.
(My three sisters are FABULOUS too but this is for the guys)
Rob………taught me to dance, I mean REALLY dance. When I was about 10 ten years old, he would pull me into his ‘space’ (with 13 in the house, we did still manage to have our own space and that was closely guarded!) I learned to “Rock around the Clock” and I have been doing it ever since. He taught me to “feel” the beat.
Michael…..taught me that in life there are always consequences and if I sassed my mother, he was there to ensure it never happen again, at least on his watch! He was loving but firm and direct. He taught me to respect and honor my parents.
David……taught me about helping others. Ever since I can remember, he dedicated his time to others. Whether it be teaching the dishwashers at a local chinese restaurant English or inviting the mentally challenged into our family circle, David was the helper.
Don…..taught me to laugh out loud, even before the expression was popular! He showed me how to find humour in every situation but not at the risk of hurting another person. And he taught me to laugh at myself!
Ed……taught me to know that Jesus is real. Ed taught me how to love deeply and to forgive completely. He taught me about sweet precious love for others.
Jimmy……taught me first and foremost patience. Jimmy was a wonderfully brilliant brother, a gifted musician and a not so easy brother to live with. He delighted in making every day a challenge and taught me to challenge myself. He taught me about perseverance and loyalty and taught me to become more humble.
Bill…………taught me how to love! He taught me to cherish family and to see the good in all of us. He taught me how to respect others. He taught me to appreciate all that we had and he taught me to be more thankful. Bill was always my cheerleader and always will be, no matter my many flaws!
Thanks for sharing.
Wow, what a houseful! Where do you fit in the birth order? So nice that you can appreciate each one for their special gift to you. 🙂
I could have entitled this
7 lessons from 7 brothers for the 7th child (Moi)
Hope you are feeling better soon.
How many bathrooms did you have in your house? Washers and dryers? I have a friend who has 10 kids, some are moved out now but when they were all at home her grocery bill was….wow!!
This was a beautiful tribute to your 7 brothers 🙂
Thanks I am feeling much better so tomorrow plan to post again.
AND of course we only had ONE bathroom with 13 of us. Let’s just say, there were quite a few ‘accidents’ among the children. My Mom used to joke that she had the strongest bladder ever because she never had time to go.
Our house was also filled with MUSIC…………singing, piano playing, drums, saxaphone, trumpet, violin and laughter all day long (interspersed with the usual bickering of course) and it was said we had the highest grocery bill in town. No wonder.
I’m drying my tears now. What a thoughtful piece to read, to live along with you. You are one lucky little sister!
Oh Elyse, you have touched my heart! Ten minutes ago I was on the phone with one of my daughters speaking about my blog etc. and maybe questioning myself about its worthiness. But, I told her, I love it; I love reading others blogs and posting new ideas and old memories etc. AND NOW I am even more encouraged.
You are a dear.
Thanks and YES we were so blessed to be a part of such a large family. To this day, every one of us are SO close. We keep in touch via email, skype and phone calls though I am in Bermuda, and the others are scattered across Canada all the way to Victoria British Columbia!
Wow, so many brothers, and so many great lessons you learned from them! The little bit about your “lessons” is enough to tell how different they all are! You seem to be really blessed! 🙂