The year is 1994
The phone in our home rings ...
Barry is in DC., has graduated from law school and is earning a masters in law.
Steven is in Atlanta and has just graduated from college.
David is at home and about to graduate from high school.
Upon answering the phone, I recognize Barry's voice ...
Hi Mom ... I'm calling to tell you that sibling rivalry is alive and well :)
As my son's tone is up beat, I laugh while responding, Hi Barry ... What's going on?
Well, I just got back from visiting Steven in Atlanta, and it took me three days to tell him how much I like his new car! :)
So now, I'm laughing again.
I love when coaching pays off, and my sons recognize those times when sibling rivalry is messing with their minds.
Our conversation continues ...
I had a hard time with Steven getting a new car, again, when mine had been a dealer's demo (suggesting that Barry chose nothing on his cobalt blue Celica, while Steven got to choose the make, model, amenities and 'red' hot color of his shiny, new Prelude).
As Barry's tone of voice remains good natured, I laugh, again, before responding ... Hey ... Decisions are determined for all kinds of reasons that differ from one year to the next, and since I wasn't with you guys for either purchase, you'll have to take up any grievances with Dad ...
At that, Barry laughs in agreement ... No grievances, Mom. I really appreciate my car. Guess I just need to vent. I mean, Steven did get two new cars, right? And I thought you'd get a kick out of the fact that I remembered what you'd said about sibling rivalry escalating our competitive streaks.
Barry is right on the mark on both counts :)
I'm really glad you called, Barry. I love when you share your natural reactions so openly, honestly and freely with me. Knowing with whom to vent is healthy. And the fact that you pulled out your best side while complimenting your brother's good fortune makes me smile deep down inside.
After enjoying this mutually enriching moment, we say so long and hang up ... and throughout the rest of the day, my spirit beams a smile from deep within my core to know that, once again, The Line of Control, which reins in frustrated reactions, aroused by sibling rivalry, is also alive and well. I mean, seriously, what parent wouldn't beam to know that heartfelt connections turn a trio of siblings into each other's best friends. :)
While returning to whatever I'd dropped when answering Barry's call, my mind wanders to the reason why we'd made the choice to purchase cars for our sons as college graduation gifts, because, actually, that had not been our original intent ...
If asked how that tradition got its start I'd say ... please tune in tomorrow :)
The phone in our home rings ...
Barry is in DC., has graduated from law school and is earning a masters in law.
Steven is in Atlanta and has just graduated from college.
David is at home and about to graduate from high school.
Upon answering the phone, I recognize Barry's voice ...
Hi Mom ... I'm calling to tell you that sibling rivalry is alive and well :)
As my son's tone is up beat, I laugh while responding, Hi Barry ... What's going on?
Well, I just got back from visiting Steven in Atlanta, and it took me three days to tell him how much I like his new car! :)
So now, I'm laughing again.
I love when coaching pays off, and my sons recognize those times when sibling rivalry is messing with their minds.
Our conversation continues ...
I had a hard time with Steven getting a new car, again, when mine had been a dealer's demo (suggesting that Barry chose nothing on his cobalt blue Celica, while Steven got to choose the make, model, amenities and 'red' hot color of his shiny, new Prelude).
As Barry's tone of voice remains good natured, I laugh, again, before responding ... Hey ... Decisions are determined for all kinds of reasons that differ from one year to the next, and since I wasn't with you guys for either purchase, you'll have to take up any grievances with Dad ...
At that, Barry laughs in agreement ... No grievances, Mom. I really appreciate my car. Guess I just need to vent. I mean, Steven did get two new cars, right? And I thought you'd get a kick out of the fact that I remembered what you'd said about sibling rivalry escalating our competitive streaks.
Barry is right on the mark on both counts :)
I'm really glad you called, Barry. I love when you share your natural reactions so openly, honestly and freely with me. Knowing with whom to vent is healthy. And the fact that you pulled out your best side while complimenting your brother's good fortune makes me smile deep down inside.
After enjoying this mutually enriching moment, we say so long and hang up ... and throughout the rest of the day, my spirit beams a smile from deep within my core to know that, once again, The Line of Control, which reins in frustrated reactions, aroused by sibling rivalry, is also alive and well. I mean, seriously, what parent wouldn't beam to know that heartfelt connections turn a trio of siblings into each other's best friends. :)
While returning to whatever I'd dropped when answering Barry's call, my mind wanders to the reason why we'd made the choice to purchase cars for our sons as college graduation gifts, because, actually, that had not been our original intent ...
If asked how that tradition got its start I'd say ... please tune in tomorrow :)
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