"Big Sister"/"Little Brother"

It is wonderful watching my daughter and son during the everyday mundane things they do. The other night I watched “big sister” teach “little brother” on the computer. I was mesmerized as big sister took the role of teacher while little brother was more than happy to be the student. These moments are rare where they aren’t saying “get away from me” (this is mostly from big sister not little brother!) or something to that effect. Little brother does look up to his big sister and big sister likes to play off the fact that she abhors her younger sibling but I know the truth; she really does love him. In this little episode they were more than just brother and sister they were bounded (if that makes sense). The bound was very strong and there are so many other episodes like this that I catch big sister really caring about her little brother.

I had tears in my eyes watching these two interact because it was genuine. I can’t predict what the future holds for my children but what I witnessed the other night I am very hopeful they will maintain a relationship over a lifetime because after all you never know when you need a sibling to bail yourself out of jail!!! Yes, that pun was directly intended and I am eternally grateful to both of my sisters. My younger sister was instrumental in bailing me out of jail and my older sister was instrumental in providing a loving and caring environment while I served my term. I love my sisters without condition and hopeful some of this will pass on to my two children.

My daughter was asking if she could “take today off from school” after her softball game last night as sore of celebration even though her team didn’t win the game. I think she was both physically and mentally exhausted after the game and the subsequent season. My wife and I sort of laughed at this request but I did notice something in my daughter’s eyes that exhibited a slight exhaustion. I wasn’t very surprised when my wife telephoned me to inform me that my daughter had come home from school early as she had a slight fever and upset stomach. I am certain this was just her mind overcoming her body because the fever was indeed slight and she was back to normal in no time. She did deserve some extra rest which she garnered this morning and early afternoon. As of this evening she was fine and was fever free.

This morning I made my way to the gym for the usual training regimen and it being a Wednesday meant it was time for an intense session. The intensity was less than last week but still fairly difficult nonetheless. I didn’t struggle as much as last week but I did feel the effects of the training session especially later in the day. I spent the bulk of the day at the office and the fact that I didn’t have lunch made me feel much tired earlier on in the afternoon. I was in the office again for a series of meetings and one was a continuation of the meetings on Monday. Life is very unpredictable but the unpredictability is all for a reason and these meetings mean something what I have no idea!!

I do know that there are some incredible people in my life and as I live in recovery incredible things are happening. I have been given a second chance and I intend to make the most of this second chance but the only way to make the most of this is living a life in recovery. I didn’t know what was recovery was over three years ago and now it is my life. Thank God for this wonderful life and all that has been bestowed upon me.

This evening was the end of the season pizza party for my son’s baseball team. The entire team was in attendance and it was a very nice gathering. The children on the team are very good kids and I was honored to be a part of the season. I met some very good people who are parents of the boys on the team and it was a blast helping out. When the season started there seemed to be some uncertainty whether or not I would be allowed to be a part of the team but as usual everything worked out for the best. I was allowed and did make the best of everything as did my son. He had a wonderful season and it is so great living through the eyes of a 7 year old boy who is so happy. He was in his element tonight with his friends from the team and playing the video games in the pizza place. I continue to be blessed in so many ways and it is an incredible life!