My brother and I haven’t seen each other in ages. When times were simpler, we’d see each other at least twice a month. It’s not that we did anything spectacular when we did get together. Most of the time, we just vegged and ragged on each other for our stupidity then pass out on the couch next to each other.
Lrudlrick is an only child and doesn’t understand how my brother and I can think this time is precious. Trust me, any time you get to spend with your sibling, even if it’s napping on the couch next to each other, is precious. At this point, I’m going to put the disclaimer that 1) My brother and I are not like Angelina Jolie and her sick and twisted brother. The naps come from an inherited gene from our father that allows us to sleep anytime, anywhere. We rival Rip Van Winkle in our sleeping habits. In our past lives we must have been bears.
My brother and I are 5 years apart but when we’re together, we act like we’re twins. Just call us Goofus and Gallant.
Since we’ve ‘grown up’, we have less time to spend together but we try our best to rib each other via email, IMs and occasional direct connects.
My brother and I weren’t latch key kids per say but we did spend a lot of time alone together. When your young and left to your own devices, you make up the strangest games to pass the time. We’ve made casinos, schools, libraries, mazes.
One particular maze included climbing up to the attic and shimmying down a tiny crawl space into my brother’s bedroom closet. Once, during a well planned chase through our maze, my brother and I cornered a family friend who was substantially less nimble as us. We doused him with iced tea mix and hot water. He left a sticky wet mess.
My brother and I were the kings of mazes and obstacle courses. Every cushion, blanket and chair was used. Fans were deployed to create wind tunnels. Ropes with secret messages were hidden everywhere.
Now that we’re older, we don’t get to spend as much time together but we try to correspond often. Work and everyday life seems to get in our way but I know we’re still there for each other. I could use a good power nap though.
Bro, if you need to decompress in between playoffs and football season, stop on by. I’ll make your favorite pasta and we’ll catch up. Just don’t bring any iced tea mixes. I just cleaned the house.
