Dear Readers,
It was about 7:00 a.m. in the morning. The birds were beginning to chirp. The children were ready for school and the coffee was percolating in the pot.
And then I heard very quick movement and a loud voice say, “I don’t know what you are talking about!!! I take good care of you. Do you know I have been taking care of you all my life?”
My husband and I looked at each other and began to laugh. It was my daughter, Anissa, who turned 8 on April 4, 2009. She was talking to her 6-year-old brother, Amir.
When asked why she was so upset, her eyes welled with tears and she whined, “Amir is always copying me. He is always in my space!!!”
I told her, “Imitation is the best form of flattery.”
I hugged and squeezed her because that is all she wanted.
Anissa has always been a good helper even at 2 years old she would get diapers and other miscellaneous items. I breastfed all of my children, which made it easier for everyone. No bottles to make only a blanket to get which Anissa always knew where the “cover up” blanket was for her brother.
Amir is used to Anissa being there for him. She’s the one who taught him his ABC’s by singing to him. She also taught him how to push the chair up to the cabinet and get more sugar when Mommy didn’t put enough in. She still covers him up at night so what would make her think that Amir would not continue to rely on her or imitate her.
Anissa has had a new surge of independence. While recently celebrating her birthday and all she could talk about was not having to sit in a car seat because she was now 8 and over 4 feet tall. Her older brother Gianni decided to join the conversation and inject with sarcasm that she was too short to sit in the front seat.
Anissa responded by saying, “Well, umm, actually, I don’t want to sit in the front seat anyway because in case of an accident my chances of living are better in the back seat!!”
Her older brother had nothing to say as he retreated. I just watched her with amazement. Maybe she’s so strong because she is a middle child and has a younger and older brother. She’s the “go to” person in the family. She knows where everything is. I wonder if we put too much pressure on her. She’s an A student and helps with the younger students at school.
I remember when she went from breastfeeding to solid foods and didn’t look back. The 2 boys were harder to wean. I remember when she lost her first foot race in pre-school. I remember Anissa telling me that when I die she’s going to take the newspaper over. Not the type of thing that you want to hear about but you’re pleased to know that at least one of your children may be interested in carrying on a family legacy.
Anissa is the type of child who will wake up out of a sound sleep and tell you that she loves you. It’s a clear ,deliberate and honest voice. One voice that we’re blessed to have in our lives. The years are going by fast and I want to cherish them.
Anissa and I had a discussion about her comment to Amir who seemed to be traumatized over it. She said, “When Amir started to go to school with me, I sat in the front of the bus with the little kids so that he wouldn’t be so lonely. Now I want to sit in the back with my friends.”
I asked her what’s Amir going to do when you go to different schools?
She matter-a-factly said, “I’ll guess he will have to learn that he will be by himself one day.”
Yes, Anissa, you’re so right. You’re doing a great job as a big sister so let your brother imitate you. We’ll have to get used to the fact that our young people are growing up and will have to take care of themselves someday. The greatest gift that I could have ever received is a child who recognizes that. Thank you.
P.S. We want to keep our young people here at home in Lansing. We need them.
P.S.S. We are having a Caribbean Cook-up Fundraiser at my home on Friday, April 17, 2009 from 6:00 pm-11:00 pm. The menu is going to be super fantastic. For more information log on to www.electrinarisper.com. We’re having an exciting time right now!!! Love life friends. I miss those who are not here to enjoy it!!!
