My little brother Michael is also graduating this semester from University of Michigan. That is so weird to me, but even more mind-boggling is the fact that he just got ENGAGED!! I'm only five years older than Michael but since I remember playing with him when he was a baby, always the baby of the family, it has really hit me that our family is grown up. It literally took me several hours to process the information and believe him that he really was engaged. It didn't help that he chose to propose/announce the day after April Fools Day and minutes after my sister and I had tried to fool him by saying that we got matching tatoos. He didn't believe us, but that was probably because Jeremy chimed in that he tatooed Michael's name on his butt. But I digress...
I am truly happy and excited for Michael. I have to admit, when the news finally sank in my emotions first transformed from shock to sadness....not because he is getting married, but because it hit me that the days of our childhood are really gone. Michael and I spent a lot of time together; we were the only kids at home until both of us moved out just a few years ago. Even when I lived in an apartment in college I was home often. We were the only 2 kids on some memorable trips with our parents -- South America and Europe. We spent time living in England-- a new country, new school system and shockingly different culture. These were all bonding experiences.
I remember teasing Michael a lot, but I honestly never remember feeling like he was an obnoxious little brother whom I didn't want around. I remember playing, laughing a ton and loving his company. I remember teaching him "Mary Had a Little Lamb" on the piano, which is still one of 2 songs he can play on the piano. The 2nd was added to his repetoire when Jeremy taught him "I will be right here waiting for you" Christmas of 2004 (he also learned it on the recorder and with Jeremy on piano and Emily on violin, it was quite breathtaking...and hysterical).
My mom always tells us that our British father used to be a "fabulous dancer." This was truly hard for us to imagine. Michael's and my favorite thing to do was play 60s tunes and speculate on this matter. We invented quite a few ridiculous dance moves, none of which my dad admitted to. It always made us roll with laughter and left my dad shaking his head and utterly distracted from his math work.
I'm glad I have lovely memories of growing up, such that I think back on those days with tears in my eyes. Not because life is worse now, but because I loved growing up with my family and those days are gone. We will probably always live in different areas of the country. We will not likely be afforded the same physical proximity and emotional bonds. I have no doubt, however, that I will always feel this massive love for all of my siblings and their families, and my parents...no matter how far apart we are. I am comforted by the fact that we prioritize spending time and money on being together. Last year I was able to be with members of my immediate family almost every month. This year has been no different.
I am glad when I think that Michael will be marrying Amanda, who seems down to earth, funny, and kind. It will be fun to create new memories with her there too. I felt assured after she told me that she had already seen some of Michael's patented dance moves, and still said "yes" to his proposal.
She has even seen "the noodle," which is indeed how my dad used to dance....right, dad?
No comments:
Post a Comment