Stubbed Toe

[Click on all photos to enlarge.]

My brother turned 40 on Sunday, May 24th.  My "little" brother.  The one who I still think of as 5, or 12, or 17, or 20-ish [emphasis on the "ish"].  The one who I was able to convince to do just about anything as a young kid, including spin me around on his shoulders because I told him we could easily be on Dance Fever or get a job as Solid Gold dancers.  We had the skill!  We had the desire!  It didn't matter that I outweighed him by nearly 20 pounds... if he just caught me, held me, threw me -- he'd get stronger!  His current back problems are likely a result of our rigorous dance training, under my zealot-like direction.

I can't believe he's 40.

**********

Toddler Child stubbed his toe this weekend.  A good old-fashioned, big-toe, stub.  As Toddler Child and I inspected his big toe again this morning, vivid memories of the day my brother was brought home from the hospital flooded my mind.  My parents don't believe me that I remember.  But I do.

**********

May 1969

My third birthday was days away.  The baby was so cute.  I wasn't jealous of the attention he was getting, but I wanted him to be my baby.  I remember sitting on the green couch, my legs straight while I was allowed to "hold" the baby.  It was more tiring than I thought it would be.

I remember being on the front porch, I think Mom had opened the door to greet my grandparents as they arrived.  In all of the excitement, I stubbed my big toe.  No one noticed.  It was bleeding so I cried.  Mamaw finally realized I was upset.  She pulled a tissue from her purse that already had blood-red stains on it.  Her signature lipstick.  She sat beside me on the front porch and dabbed at my toe.  I remember thinking how pretty her tissue looked, with her lipstick and my blood.

That's all I remember.

More than anything, I remember how much I loved my brother.  He's my only sibling and we're fortunate to like one another and be friends.  True friends.

I can't believe he's 40.  It's like... he's an adult.

Happy Birthday, Joe.  I'm proud of the man you are and fortunate to call you brother, and friend.

I still can't believe he's 40.

Comments

[we_be_toys]

Doesn't it just mess with you, when your baby brother turns 40? It means that somehow, they by-passed us, the older sister, still holding at 39 (as my grandmother liked to maintain), and are now on the downhill slope. How does that happen?

Hope the current stubbed toe is feeling much better!

[christy]

Aww what a sweet post. Happy birthday to him. And what lucky siblings you both are to have each other! Love that first photo of you two.

[Connie @ Young and Relentless]

Happy Birthday Joey!

I have a memory from the day that Bobbi was born. It is a sad story.....

[Deidre]

Happy Birthday Mallory - Joe. whoops!



Adorable post Chris!

[pam]

That is so sweet. I still think of my little sister as about 12... She's 47! Although she weighs all of about 90 and still looks 12. I still have lead marks in my back where she stabbed me in the back in a fit of rage... We are very close friends now! And it's so rewarding to watch your own kids grow up and be close friends... the cooties somehow disappear! Happy Birthday Joe!

[pam]

That is so sweet! I still think of my little sister as 12, and she's 47! Although she weighs all of about 90 and looks 12.. I still have lead marks in my back where she stabbed me with a pencil... we're very close now!!!

[Cheri @ Blog This Mom!]

Oh! This is totally sweet. Happy Birthday Joe!

(P.S. Wow. You guys have toe troubles, too. I know a hot doctor, if you need one.)

[vodkamom]

that was lovely.......

[Chris]

Thanks, Deb. Hope all is well with you and your tribe. Summer's almost here... that's a good thing!

hugs to you,Chris

To: chrisyross@msn.com

[Bobbi Olson]

Awwww, his birthday card to you was cite!

Yeah, Connie thought my parents didn't need her anymore because "they have a new baby now." (insert sad violin music)

[Kate Coveny Hood]

I love the pictures! But what about that see through shirt he's wearing in the last one? Maybe a lighting thing?I also love the dance fever story. Reminds me of Monica and Ross with "the routine."

[Jane]

I still remember the day my little sister came home vividly. And yes, I still think of her as no more than 19 because let's face it, I'm not old enough to have a sib in her 40's. :-)

My god, you were a beautiful kid, Chrisy!

[jessica Bern]

What a great relationship you guys have. I have two sisters. with one I have never been close and it's sad and the other? sometimes treats me soooo poorly I just wonder why

[Lady Fi]

I love the photos. You two are just the cutest! Just imagine it - in a few more years, he will be an adult! ;-)

[Alixandra Hice]

Chris, you're a riot. And your post is such a cool tribute. Happy birthday to your young whippersnapper of a bro. Gosh, it really is almost like he's an adult.

[Liara Covert]

Reflecting on childhood photos is priceless. Facebook is a wonderful tool for this. School pals can reconnect and no longer recognize each other?!

[debbie]

Sweet post! And I do believe you can remember. I can't remember anything back then but my youngest child can remember what he was wearing on certain days when he was three!

[the mama bird diaries]

My little sister is turning 30 this year and I just can't believe it.

You and your brother are so cute together!!

[LiLu]

Aww, happy birthday brother!

I LOVE the old pics! :-)

[mary]

Happy Birthday 40 year old Joe.

I think I must have a brother turning 40 this year.

I am the eldest of seven and I was 9 when the youngest was born. I do get a bit muddled these days as to who is turning what!

[Lance]

What a sweet post! And what a awesomely cool sister you are! Happy Birthday Joe!

[Jannie Funster]

Well Mallory-Joe is all grown up now, almost. Where do the years get to?

Sweet pix! I really like your hair in the last one.

[Stephanie Hautem]

Oh my goodness I love all the pictures and your comments. Joe loved it as well. He especially loved the picture of him in the helmet. You guys are adorable and are so fortunate for the wonderful relationship you have.xo Steph

[anna see]

What a neat post about your brother. Having 1 boy, 1 girl, I wonder if they will be friends as adults. So far so good!