Thursday, August 4, 2011

Back to School

     No! I'm not going back. I've had enough, thank you. But my little brother starts back to school tomorrow. I can't believe he is starting high school. He's my little brother; he's still supposed to be a kid. Now, it's even getting to where I actually won't be able to call him my little brother though--not if his growth spurt continues. I will have to transition to the more proper "younger brother."
     When he was born, everyone made such a big deal because he was 7 years younger than my sister and 10 years younger than I. Nowadays that isn't that abnormal (not really sure it was then). But from the very beginning he got plenty of attention. As a baby and toddler he got so much attention that he didn't have to bother talking until he was three. There was no need for him to verbalize anything because he was waited on hand and foot. The problem is there were too many words on backlog when he did start talking, and he hasn't shut his mouth since! (My grandmother swears that he talked when he was one but was fussed at and stayed quiet until he was three and apparently plotted payback by talking non-stop for the rest of his life.)
     My parents often joke that he is the only child they had because my sister and I came into the world acting like old people. A point which neither of us deny; he is a lot more fun. And for all the ridicule my sister and I have heaped upon him, he's turned out pretty well. Of course much of the credit goes to yours truly--you see, another of my parents' oft quoted claims is that they had me to raise him. Ha! Well, he's "all growed up" now, and I am not sure what to think. Isn't your little brother supposed to stay a little boy forever?!? But he's growing to be a fine young man. He has a strong conscience and a strong family sense (even if it is one of his friend's family and not ours), and if he puts his mind to it, he excels in school--he is a Watts after all. He's also a committed Bulldog so he will go far! I assure you his better habits were picked up from his big--err, older--brother. I take no responsibility for the bad ones.
     So here's to his next four years. Let's just see if he can live up to the standard his older brother and sister set (no pressure). I'll be proud regardless.