I’ve been tremendously blessed by my nine year old’s love and care for his newest baby brother. The sweet young man who laughed and cried when his Baba and I revealed that we were expecting again, has not responded with any less joy and enthusiasm now that the anticipation has grown to become more responsibility and slightly more chaos. In fact, he mentions at least once a day, that he wishes we could keep having babies forever.
I remind the boys daily that they will be best friends for the rest of their lives. I say this not because they are guaranteed to be, but rather because there’s no reason for them not to be, especially if they treat each other as such, now. Number 5 is coming into a pack of boys who are fiercely close friends and tightly knit as brothers. I’m blessed to see them consider their baby brother as an addition, and not a subtraction.
Even amidst the battles, the misunderstandings, the forgiving, and the sharing, these boys appear to treasure brotherhood.
“The rewards are so much greater than the difficulties,” my eldest says to me when I ask him if he thinks it’s worth it. Sometimes I think he is wise beyond his years.
And though the littlest man has no idea what great adventures and comradery awaits him, his big brother whispers in his ear, “When you get older, I’ll give you piggybacks down the stairs.”
My first baby is now the big brother that doctors a bloody nose, that mediates pre-schooler disputes, comforts a wounded heart, and takes special request for how each boy likes their sandwiches for lunch. I’m so thankful that he’s setting the example of brotherhood, demonstrating that each of his brothers is so worth it.
.gif)
What sweet blessings! All of them! It is such a blessing and encouragement to see families raising up a godly generation; children who love the Lord and walk in His ways. I look forward to meeting precious Asa and seeing you all soon!
What a beautiful piece. I will share it with the older brothers in my house who may not fully understand the power of brotherhood, especially for the little one who is so much younger. Thank you Ruth for posting!
That Number 1 has always been a special boy. God has big plans for him and it is a joy seeing God weaving those plans into him already.
Doug and I pray that Joshua will be such a loving big brother and that he and Caleb will be best friends for life. Any words of wisdom on how to encourage that?
Ruth, I read this to my 10 year old this morning and he smiled. He is the oldest of our 4 and I think he related more than a little bit with your oldest.
He, too, is the chief lunch maker and sweet biggest brother. He doesn’t always handle this responsibility with cheerfulness but I see God growing Him each day and that is such a joy! 
He has been such a blessing from the beginning. I love that he wants to keep having babies forever. He’s going to be an amazing baba!