Siblings

“To the outside world we all grow old. But not to brothers and sisters. We know each other as we always were. We know each other’s hearts. We share private family jokes. We remember family feuds and secrets, family griefs and joys. We live outside the touch of time” – Clara Ortega

When Caris was born, I was relieved and happy that my little Alex would have a younger sister. Someone to play with, teach him to share(!) and show compassion and kindness. Someone to be there for him when we are gone, and someone to have a close bond with like only siblings share. As much as he has older brothers, the age gap means they won’t have the same age-appropriate bond of siblings who are born closer together. The bond that Alex has with his older brothers is great … but it is very different. I have an older brother, so I had wonderful memories, (of growing up together, experiencing life, being naughty together and sticking together in times of trouble) come flooding back to me the moment I saw my boy meet his new sister.

In April 1970, Kevin was born, a seven pound bouncing baby boy, to proud parents Marcelle and Dennis, destined to become, what I would later believe, the coolest big brother ever. Three years and five months later in September of 1973, I made my entrance. We were always close, and sharing a room for most of our childhood meant we spent most nights chatting away and laughing till Dad came in to tell us to go to sleep. We were always good friends, and were and still are there for each other when times are tough. Sadly, my brother lives in Cape Town now, so I do not get to see as much of him as I would like, but such is life.

When I look at Alex and Caris together, the resemblance between them, and my brother and I, is uncanny. Obviously the genes in my side of the family run strong.

I hope that they will be friends their whole lives, and that they will be there for each other through thick and thin.

First photo of Kevin and I (Oct 1973)