When I die, I want to go peacefully like my Grandfather did, in his sleep -- not screaming, like the passengers in his car.

Saturday, December 5, 2009

MEET MY BROTHER – MIKE SHORT

I came from a family of 3 children:  An older sister who passed away before I was born, leaving ME, the middle child, and yes, I do still claim “middle child syndrome,” and my little brother, Mike.

Mike is facing some health challenges right now, and I am right there in the thick of it because even though I wanted to injure him when we were kids, the big sister mode has kicked in and I’m in protect and kick-ass mode. 

He has always been a sports-loving dweeb with a sarcastic sense of humor, and he did not have to answer the questions I asked.  I decided I will answer them for him.

Mike, what was your favorite thing to do as a child?” 

Well, Kathy, that’s easy.  My favorite thing to do was make your life miserable.” 

My second question, “What is your most memorable moment?” would undoubtedly be this:  “When you left.”  (I know he would say it but not mean it because…well…I just know). (Right, Mikey)? 

Last night I was talking to Mike on the phone, on his birthday.  Yes, he is only five years younger than me for more than a month!  I told him I had ordered a tube of ants for my grandson’s new ant farm. I mentioned that it was like buying those little critters first-class tickets on American Airlines to get them here, and without even taking a break, my little brother said, “I hope they don’t put them on the plane with a cage of anteaters.” 

There was a moment of silence as that sunk in, then we both started laughing those good, comfortable belly laughs that only siblings share.

So a tip of my hat for Mike’s comic relief episode on his 47th birthday!  Cheers!

1 comment: