Listen to Lena

Perfecting the Art of Conversuasion

February 2, 2011

By

For my boys:

One day, you will fight over whose turn it is on the Xbox (or whatever futuristic game station is relevant).
You will argue over who “needs” to borrow dad’s car immediately.
You will poke fun at each other, keeping the insults just above the belt until someone gets really peeved and will go there. (Though he will apologize later because it’s the right thing to do.)

Someday, you will borrow each other’s clothes.
However, well before that happens, you will put a stop to me dressing you both in matchy-matchy outfits.
You will accuse me of favouring one over the other, and believe it until you’re 35.
You will scream “He’s hitting me!” exactly 4,348 times over the course of the next 10 years.

One day, you will be embarrassed to be related to one another. (Thankfully, it will pass quickly.)
You will hide toys, steal crayons and take the last treat for yourself.
You will be an honest and enthusiastic snitch – pointing out your brother’s shortcomings and faults.
And, when asked to borrow 5 bucks, you may opt to keep it for yourself.

Someday, you may take each other for granted.
You will intend to call, but the days will stretch into weeks.
You will be busy with your own family and your own priorities.
Maybe, you just won’t feel a connection to each other.
You will forget about your best friend.

And, on that day, I will forward this link – and these impromptu pictures that I took on a cold winter afternoon in February 2011.

Yes, you were in matchy-matchy outfits.
Yes, you were very young.

But you only had eyes for each other.
Unadulterated affection written all over your faces.
You took care of each other in way that makes my heart explode.

Boys, meet your first true love: your brother.

Reader Interactions

Comments

  2. Allison

    Another beautiful post Lena! I love all the pictures, they honestly do tell the story of two best friends! Your boys are lucky to have such a talented and loving mommy.

  7. Ella Pretty Blog

    Sob sob – why do you have to make me cry first thing in the morning Lena? The picture of Reid sucking his thumb – and the face smush one -& the second pic down with Ryder’s arm around Reid…. toooo adorable! And their matchy-matchy outfits are super-cute!

    I wonder how my kids will interact as they grow older – right now, they squabble at home… but have each others back COMPLETELY when they’re at school. I love that they have someone to stand up for them when necessary – and hope they continue to look out for each other as they get older – but I know things change. Hubby and his sister were so close growing up, but don’t really have anything to say to each other now….while my sis and I were best friends growing up – and are even closer now. I guess as long as they want the best for each other, they’ll be fine.

    • Lena

      Oh no! Didn’t mean to make you sob at all :)

      The dynamic with twins is so unpredictable because they share such a special relationship – that no one else is privy to. I have a feeling your children will be very close as they grow.

    • Lena

      They’re sitting at the table sharing a bowl of cut-up fruit right now, it’s so sweet! xo

  14. Shauna MacKenzie

    LOVE LOVE LOVE! I feel the same about my boys. Even though they’re 4 yrs apart, they are best friends and love each other so much. I really think that they’re the most important person in each other’s lives, even more than Cam & I. Ryder & Reid are simply adorable, and the photos you posted capture the love they feel for each other.

    • Lena

      In every picture that you’ve posted of your gorgeous boys, I can see the love in their eyes. You are so blessed Shauna!

    • Lena

      They are beautiful mini-mes, aren’t they? Thanks for being such a great father to them :)

    • Lena

      Tucked away in a little dormant corner of my brain. Probably after years of practice writing notes to you in high school :)

  17. Mom

    This is such a lovely, touching post Lena. You are so talented and creative! Seeing the beautiful pictures of my two adorable grandsons almost brought tears to my eyes. Also, your post blends in so well with the two brothers bonding and expressing their brotherly love for one another. Both Ryder and Reid are lucky to have such a loving mommy.

  19. Cindy

    I just discovered this post. I love it. And your boys are absolutely gorgeous. I have two boys as well and they are very close. And yes they fight over almost everything.

    • Lena

      Thanks Cindy – happy to be part of the mom club with you :) Does the fighting ever end? LOL

  21. Cindy

    LOL! Yes the fighting subsides, but that’s when you need to be on your toes, because that means they are conspiring against you. It is amazing how they can get along if they have a common foe or goal (usually trying to pull one over on mom). It’s fun to watch.

    Your boys will bring you so much joy and laughter.

    • Lena

      Loved reading your response, Cindy, because I find that sometimes, when the boys are too quiet and seem to be getting along… you’re right, they’re up to no good!

  23. Mandy

    LOVED this! And the pictures reminded me of my two boys. I’m so happy and proud of how well they get along..although I know they will have their moments growing up

  24. Judy C

    Just saw this and love it…great job and I hope you do pass it on to your boys when they are older!

  28. Darlene Schuller

    ugh, you made me cry… I’m so super sensitive since my grandson….

    Thank you Lena, you just described every siblings relationship… perfectly <3