Happy Birthday, Tom
This morning as I was reading my Bible and enjoying my coffee, the girls were fighting. First Riley was on my lap, and anytime Zoe came near, she’d say, “Zoe, I’m just trying to sit on the lap with my Mommy!” In order that her position not be threatened, she required that a radius of about two feet around us be a “Zoe-free zone.”
I was getting more and more affectionate hugs and lots of kisses, all the more enthusiastically given as the girls postured for position.
The minute Riley hopped off my lap, Zoe scrambled up and wrapped her arms tightly around my neck.
“Riley, I’m sitting on Mommy’s lap because I love her so much.”
This jab must’ve stung for Riley, because in the next few minutes she tried without success to plop down on the 3-inches of my knee that was still exposed beneath Zoe.
She’d lay her hand on my arm to get my attention, and when I gave her my eyes, she’d say, “Mommy, I’m just trying to sit on your lap.”
At which point, I of course had to explain about turn-taking and how I love both of my girls equally.
Riley was relentless, and Zoe hugged me even tighter in her temporary triumph.
Finally, Zoe (definitely the first of mine to sympathize) said, “Otay, I’m gonna get off so Riley can have a turn.”
Riley grinned, again the victor, and jumped on my lap. I always laugh out loud when Riley, whose legs seem to go on forever, tries to assume the same position that her sister formally occupied (and that’s exactly what she tried to do on this occasion). Where Zoe’s legs fit perfectly wrapped around my waist, Riley’s poke out several feet. She can’t seem to understand how Zoe holds her little legs up there so easily, and she tries and tries again to make it work. You can tell she’s determined that her sister will thwart her in no detail.
This morning, I’ve been thinking about my brother Tommy. It’s his birthday today (Happy birthday, brother!). All this fighting between the girls reminded me of the way that Tommy and I used to fight over who was going to sit next to Mom in church. It was true that we both wanted to sit there, and also true that we desperately wanted to best each other in the process. I can remember how I was galled by the triumphant grin on his face when Mom would concede that it was his turn to sit beside her. I know now that Mom’s feelings about this exchange were mixed. She, like me, probably just wanted some peace, but also like me, most likely she enjoyed every moment. She knew all too well then (as I do now) that the day would come when we’d not be fighting to sit there anymore.
I love being stuck in the middle of my girls’ little competition with each other because in the process, I get lots and lots of attention and affection, and most of the time they’re already too busy to stop and give me my hugs and kisses.
Happy birthday, Tom! You’ve always been a fantastic brother and one of my closest friends. I treasure my memories of our childhood together and the relationship that we have as adults. I hope it’s a great day for you.
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