I hope Jake always loves his little sister, and is as sweet to her, as he is right now. He loves on her a little too much sometimes ("Jake, please, give her some space"), but I remember what it was like to love my little baby brother that much. I remember the first days of my kindergarten class, after Danny had been born that August, and missing him so much and hardly being able to stand not being at home to see him. Of course, once I did get home I would pinch his cheeks to see if he would cry, and then say, "What's a matter baby?" - as if I didn't know why the baby was suddenly crying. (Sorry mom). That was the first sign that I was a pretty rotten sister for quite a few years. Sorry baby bruzzer. I love you lots and I always will.
I hope Jake feels the protective feelings I had (still have) for my brother. I could make fun of my brother all day long, but God forbid someone else say even the slightest critical word toward him. The two fistfights I have ever had in my entire life were because another kid in the neighborhood said something mean about my brother. I didn't care if the perpetrator was older or bigger than me. You don't make fun of my baby brother, unless you want your butt kicked by me. I'm pretty sure after that, the neighborhood kids knew not to say anything bad about my baby brother. At least not when I was around. Now my baby brother is 6' 5" and can fight his own battles, but I still feel protective of him. The brother/sister relationship is not always a smooth one, but I know the love is always there.
Danny and I have a very unique way of showing our love to each other, but I think he knows I would still beat up any kid who said a bad word about him. Actually, knowing Danny and I, we would just make fun of the person who dared talk bad of us. And we would continue to make fun of them until it became a sport. Humor became our weapon of choice, and we have developed thick skin to each other's jabs and barbs. My brother is hilarious. Often inappropriately so. If you can't laugh in our family, you're going to be miserable.
I hope Jake and Alex grow up close, remain close, and I hope they are protective of each other as Danny and I were. I hope they create their own funny memories. I hope they don't get too angry at each other when they become obnoxious teenagers. I hope they treat each other with love and respect, always, even when they are frustrated with each other. I hope they spend time together when it's not "cool" to do so. I hope they realize how fortunate they are to have each other.
