And the Tie is Broken!
Oct 02 '00 (Updated Oct 15 '00)
This editorial is not meant to give advice on anything, nor is it intended to teach the reader how to do something. If fact, I'm not certain that it fits here at all, but I'll take my chances.
You see, for 15 years, my sister was the baby of the grandchildren in my family. There were four of us; my sister and myself and our two cousins (one a year younger than me, one three years older). Our grandparents were content with their brood of four; it was easy to keep up with our whereabouts that way. Audra in law school, Clay in college studying agricultural business, Lisa graduating, finding her first teaching job, Caron safe and sound in the 10th grade.
Little did we know our world was about to take a dramatic turn..
Our uncle, the baby of the children in the family was turning 40. He had never married and was living the content life of a bank loan officer and marathon runner. I was secretly still holding out hope that the woman of his dreams would arrive to sweep him off his feet any day now. During one of his regular 10K runs in 1994, he happened upon Melanie, a 35-year old 2nd grade teacher.. he was swept! And I was ecstatic.
Not three months later, my uncle David married his fellow race runner. One year and sixth months after that, little Charles was born and my sister lost her status as 'baby'. She did not complain until she realized this event would not allow her to move to the grown-up table to eat. My cousin Clay, though, did a happy dance of joy. He was no longer the only male.
As we began to hear them talk of another baby, our minds began to whirl. Perhaps now that the score was 3 girls to 2 boys we could add another gal to the mix to ensure our victory. Alas, it was not to be. Just 11 months after Charles Campbell was born, Corbitt Clinton tied the score, 3-3. Clay was thrilled yet again, dancing almost to the point of needing sedation.
So we're tied. And we're happy. My grandparents now could smile upon six grandchildren; 4 grown and 2 just starting out! I will be forever thankful that they were blessed with good health long enough to see these boys turn 3 and 4 this year. Amazing what two smiling babies can do to a family's constitution. We can't imagine not having them now.
And then.. in early August of this year.. the phone call.
Hello?
Lisa? This is your Uncle David. I've got some news.. We're having another baby.
<stunned silence on my end>
Wow. Amazing. Unbelievable. He's 46, she's 41. And they're both, I'm happy to report, doing fantastically well. My sister, my cousin Audra and I put our 3-way calling to work long enough to plead for this baby to be a girl. The girls must win! But of course, all we really want is for this special little one to be safe and in good health.
I got another phone call this week.. the baby is going to be fine and healthy.. and, believe it or not..
it's going to be.. a boy.
Yes, the tie has been broken. And I've never been happier to lose in my whole life.
Little boy, welcome. We're glad you're going to be joining us. We have a really wonderful family. You just wait and see. Your mommy and your daddy, your nana and papaw, all your aunts and uncles, and especially your brothers and cousins can't wait to see you! We'll teach you some basketball.. we'll help you fly a kite.. and we'll most definitely show you how to call those Razorbacks during Arkansas football games! You're going to have a great life, kid.
And, by the way.. that fella over there.. your cousin, Clay? He doesn't always dance like that.
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Epinions.com ID:
Teach2755
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Member: Lisa
Location: Jonesboro, AR
Reviews written: 95
Trusted by: 54 members
About Me:
I'm a half-crazed sixth grade teacher who's ready for summer. Enough said. :)
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