It certainly is tough to be the younger brother! Most of you know how close the boys are, and how for the most part, they get along great, despite their 3 1/2 year age difference. They truly are best friends and have the same interests. While they are different in their own way, they are not complete opposites like some siblings.
Lately, Matthew has been feeling the frustration of Patrick getting older and more independent. Patrick gets his own cereal in the morning, pours the milk, , helps to carry the heavy groceries inside, reads books on his own, etc.. Matthew wants to be just like Patrick all the time.
Yesterday was another big Preschool fundraiser, the Spring Festival. When it was over, Brian helped with the cleanup and the boys wanted to help. Brian and Patrick started carrying chairs, and Matthew stopped, sat down, and cried, "I just want to be 7". He wanted to be able to carry those chairs just like Patrick, but unfortunately, they were just to heavy, and he is just too little.
Yesterday morning, Matthew was playing around and ran all the way down the stairs of our tower to the lobby area. We knew where he was, but he wasn't coming back up, so Brian went down to get him. When they came back in the house, I asked him why he didn't come back up right away, and he said, "I wanted to take the elevator, but my arm isn't long enough to reach the 5, so I couldn't." This was all being said through tears.
While I feel Matthew's pain because he is yearning to be more independent just like Patrick, I can't help but smile inside. I don't want that little arm to grow bigger yet. I don't want to see Matthew big enough to carry those heavy chairs across the parking lot. I want to keep him little, innocent, and 4. Unfortunately, our kids do grow up, get big, and become independent. I hold on to all of the moments where I realize that my boys really are still my babies. In time, Matthew will reach that elevator number, reach the cupboard to get a cereal bowl, and get strong to pour the milk and carry heavy things for me. At that moment, I will feel his pride and celebrate with him.
Matthew, you will be seven before you know it. Just let Mommy keep you at 4 for a little while longer!!
Saturday, April 26, 2008
I Just Want to be 7
Posted by nwkinjapan at 4/26/2008 04:15:00 PM
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2 comments:
I am writing this through tears of my own because I feel such empathy for Matthew! He tries so hard but sometimes that 3 years is just such a difference. Matthew saying "Right, Patrick?" will always be one of my favorite Matthew quotes. I also know how you feel, Amy; those years when they are young and dependent on us last such a short time. I know it won't make Matthew feel any better to hear this, but I think he is pretty knowledgeable about a lot of things for his age. Cheer up, Matthew, Patrick couldn't always do everything he does now either. You'll get there too quickly for your mom and Nana.
Oh dear Matthew! I would love for you and Claire both to stay 4 a while longer. You will be seven far too soon. Another way of looking at it is like this: as I was putting Claire to bed tonight, she told me she wished we had another girl in our family, but not a little sister, she longs for an older sister. She doesn't want to be the oldest. So, Matthew, feel happy you have an older brother like Patrick to look up to! He is a great role model for you!
Love Aunt Kelly
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