Real fun

I remember being a kid and always wanting a brother. Sisters are good and all, but there was always that something missing without a brother. Now that I have kids of my own that have all the different arrangements as far as that's concerned (except being an only child) I see, in real life, exactly those things that I missed out on without a same sex sibling.

 

For example, taking taekwondo and coming home to try out what was learned. Now, I don't believe I am a sissy but if I had a choice I would prefer NOT to get punched or kicked. I had the same preference as a kid. But, I think that's because I didn't have a brother. Hitting my sister definitely got me in trouble....but a brother? That's expected! I see my boys experiencing some of the pains that I avoided...and smiling about it. No, laughing! They are becoming warriors! They are improving their skills to defend themselves and their families! And having a blast to boot. I think about being punched as a scary thing, full of uncertainty. The same with punching. Will I be effective? Will they just laugh like in the movies? Not my boys, they know it...they will have experienced it and be all the more courageous because if it. I can't help but smile when I see them sparring. Don’t get me wrong, I don’t want them starting fights or what have you, but it is a reassuring thought to know that they know what to expect if one does break out.  And that’s just one small and simple aspect of it.

 

The other day I posted a video on facebook – 2 of my boys have been enamored by a video where people depicted towers and then fell….but not only fell…fell in SLOW MOTION!  I have to admit, it was one of the cooler things that I think I have seen in that sort of video. But, while I watched from afar and said, “cool”..they went to their room and worked out how to do it. I came from work one day and there they were. Double decker sons, falling in slow motion with sound effects to boot. Yea…there’s something you don’t do as an only child!

 

My family was at a playground at the park with my wife. My youngest son was on the jungle gym but was stopped from crossing a bridge by the “jungle gym bully”…you know a kid that’s too big to be playing on the stuff to begin with. My 3 year old really didn’t know what to expect….but, as my 7 year old came up behind him and received the same threat. All the times being defeated in wrestling by his older brothers had prepared him for this moment. NO! There wasn’t a punch thrown by anyone. However, there was this boy that was a head shorter than this bully. He had a smile on his face and a finger pointing at the bully…”yea, but do you know taekwondo?” … no fear. To top it all off, the 7 year old didn’t even know that his oldest brother was standing at the ready should things get out of control. But, they didn’t. The bully realized that he didn’t intimidate him…and suddenly, “I have to go”. I am so thankful that it didn’t come to blows. I did have a talk with him about taunting and being a little too adventurous….but the point is. He wasn’t afraid.

 

Yea, I am sure you have your own stories of such things. I am so thankful to be able to watch this. I love my family.

 

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