My baby bro (AKA "The Kid") is arriving this afternoon for the weekend.  As I mentioned in my last (very boring) update, this weekend my family is having a surprise 70th birthday party for my step-father, so The Kid is going to be staying with me.  It's so funny to think about the relationship I have with The Kid when I think about how we used to be.  When we were young (he's three years younger than me) he used to follow me around EVERYWHERE.  He was my shadow and it drove me absolutely crazy!  We fought a lot, although you could mostly categorize our fights as "name calling" as opposed to the "knock-down-drag-out" kind that some siblings have.  Now we still tend to bicker from time to time, but we're much closer.

 

I've been keeping this blog for over two years now, so I can't remember exactly what I've shared.  I may or may not have mentioned that The Kid is gay.  And I may not have mentioned that he has yet to tell the rest of my family.  This may be why he and I are so close.  There are no secrets and he can feel free to be himself around me.  He told me this several years ago (although truthfully I knew long before he told me) because I think he knew I would not judge him or disown him.  I have many friends who are gay and I honestly don't think twice about it.  It's a non-issue.  I know The Kid is thinking about telling the folks and I've told him that I would be there when he decides to do that if he wants.  I honestly don't think it will be a surprise to my step-father as he's a pretty observent person.  My mom, on the other hand, lives in what I like to call "The Mom Bubble".  She can sometimes be oblivous to reality.  She loves him (he's the baby afterall), so I don't think it will END UP being a big deal.  I think it will be a shock at first, however.  But, it's not my choice.  He'll tell them when/if he decides to.  If he never tells them, he never tells them.  I honestly don't think about it, because like I said, it's a non-issue for me.  He's my brother, that's it.

 

I think he's a little nervous about the party this weekend, as he hasn't been to a family event in years.  I can't even remember when he was up for a real family gathering.  He's been up and seen me and my parents, but hasn't seen EVERYONE (and there are a lot of us) in forever.  I'm sure it will be fine.  Afterall my family is FAR from perfect (as all families are) so no one has any "authority" to judge.  There is going to be close to 30 people there so it should be somewhat busy anyway. 

 

I have no idea how my mom is going to get my step-father there without totally spoiling the surprise.  Although he's 70...when it comes to surprises...he's more like 7.  He's a big baby.  He hates surprises and I'm sure he has some idea that SOMETHING is going on.  He's very stubborn too, so getting him to actually leave the house could prove to be quite a challenge.  So his stubborness mixed with my mom's quick temper could leave my mom with no choice but to shout (red-faced through gritted teeth): "Get in the damn car @$$hole.  We're going to your freakin' party!"  Ahhh...should be fun!  Families...

 

Until next time...Happy Spring!