Growing up in a big family, it can often times be difficult to keep track of every single person. Every member desires to do their own separate things at their own separate times. Children (and sometimes adults) can then wander off or do a harmful task that can lead them or other members of the family into some sort of devastating circumstance. Due to this, our family has created a sort of "buddy system" to minimize these occurrences.
In this system, there are three sets of kids all who attempt to keep track of one another. The different categories of children are the big kids (Nicole, Jake and I), the mid kids (Isaac, Hannah, and Gianna) and the little kids (Noah, Aiden and Jonathan).
Each child helps take care of their designated "partner" in many different activities as they grow up such as crossing the street, reaching objects in small spaces or keeping track of each other in crowded attractions. It is a fragile and very difficult strategy to balance. But, when followed through perfectly, this system is fool-proof and has (on most occasions) greatly reduced the stress on my mom and dad. However, with a family this size, things don't always go as planned.
On September 13, 2003, my little sister Hannah was born into the world. On the day that my siblings and I got the opportunity to see our newborn sister, I was super excited. She was going to be the first little sister I actually got to hold in my arms or attempt to persuade that mud is better than make-up. I remember, when I got to finally hold Hannah for the first time, I thought she was the cutest baby ever! I just loved to look at her sleep and feel her small heart beat. It was truly amazing. She seemed so peaceful in my arms. I promised myself that I would always do my best to keep her safe and make sure she knew she was always loved. With this vow, I hoped that we would become buddies.
When mom and dad finally brought Hannah home, our relationship began to flourish. We played Barbie dolls, tea sets, and dress up (with a manly twist of course). I helped feed her Gerber Sweet Potato and Carrots and Peas (which I still don't know how the paste could be appetizing). I even changed a few of her stinky diapers that were so bad the poop from her diaper exploded up her back. But, through these small interactions, our relationship became stronger. We were quickly becoming buddy material. Although I did fulfill the minor parts of my duty as Hannah's "buddy," an even bigger challenge arose a couple months later. I had to help watch Hannah in her terrible twos.
After doing some errands on a bright summer morning, my mother decided to finish the day by bringing her entire brood of children into Walmart. She wanted her kids to "help" her shop for a few groceries. Mom believed (for hers and the big kids' sanity) it would be a great idea for the children to stretch their legs and get out of the hot van. In order to maintain some kind of order, she told each one of us big kids to keep an eye on our little kids. In unison, all three big kids grabbed their littles' hands, desiring to not lose their siblings. For the first couple of minutes in the store, everything went perfectly fine. My mom was in the lead pushing the cart; her six little ducks, hand in hand, followed close behind her. As time passed, the shopping buggy slowly filled with groceries. We were almost done!
Our small herd then passed the toy aisle trying to get to the pharmacy. Distracted by all of the glorious action figures and toy cars, I briefly let go of my sister's hand and went to go examine all of the gadgets. Hannah, spotting a moment to explore, quietly wondered off, leaving me alone in the aisle.
Once I was finished trying out all of the neat trinkets, I then raced back to my mom. Out of breath, I was momentarily relieved to be back with the family. But, before I could even greet my mother, she looked at me and said: "Where is Hannah?" My heart dropped. I began looking around frantically, hoping she had followed me. Noticing my struggle, my mom went into a nervous frenzy. She quickly turned the buggy around and started looking up and down the aisles. However, before we got too far, a stranger came up to our worried family and asked: "Is this your daughter?" Surely enough, Hannah,sitting contently in the man's cart, was safe. After the stranger gave Hannah back to my Mom, we put her into the shopping cart and finished the trip.
Although I'm still a little embarrassed that this event happened, Hannah had taught me a very valuable lesson. I learned that to be a responsible person, I must not think solely of myself but should contemplate how my actions can greatly affect my family and others around me. On that day, I could have lost Hannah forever. I would have broken the promise I made two years prior.
Hannah. Since day one, you have been a great sister, friend, and buddy through and through. Starting out as your buddy, I thought that I would be the one helping you learn all of the major lessons in life. However, through our interactions, I have learned so much more from you than you can imagine. You are such a beautiful and unique young lady who is blessed with so many gifts and abilities. I love our goofy conversations, our playing on the piano together, and/or the fantastic artistry you created that decorated for my wall at school. Even though, I may not have been the best brother the world could have offered, you have stayed by my side the entire time. And for that, I am so thankful that you are my buddy!
