Congratulations

First off, I want to congratulate my cousin and her husband on the arrival of their twin boy and girl. They’re gorgeous.

A conversation with brother Pokey brought up a few points that I would like to insert here.

On top of the fact that they were recently married and these are the first attempt at child bearing, you have to consider a few things, or as Pokey so aptly put it: “First you pretty much get your bottom lip pulled over your head… Twice! But to add to the pressure of having two new mouths to feed and only two breasts (which have never been used in this fashion), you have the added pressure of every one you know visiting (even if just to help out), while trying to adjust with likely zero sleep.”

I feel for them, and am very happy that they are all healthy and happy. Can’t wait to see them.

Speaking of child birth, it’s my little brother Junior’s birthday. I can remember that day though it’s a little fuzzy, I recall eating canned chili (dad was looking after us at home), next thing I remember is going to see the baby. I remember he was lying on the bed when I first entered the hospital room. I headed straight for him and layed on the bed beside him. I was weary like a child is near a new animal, approaching cautiously so as not to upset this new phenomenon, and fall victim to whatever he was capable of. In hindsight I realize he is only capable of the same sort of things now, like an occasional burp, fart or poop attack.

From this moment I sort of attached myself to the kid and stayed pretty involved in his upbringing. Good and bad. The best moments ware sending him off for a Saturday night behind the wheel of my Brand new Dodge Pickup truck or new Chevy Camaro to cruise around town in. He was 16. Imagine being 16 and getting to tour your buddies around in style like that!

Junior was always on the guest list at my parties and often became the hit of the night. He was usually way to well behaved, and I never had to worry about him getting in trouble or trashing my car. I also never needed to worry about him being upset when I showed up on his doorstep on a Thursday night (actually early Friday, like 5:30) after we decided to leave Whiskey Jack’s in Saskatoon and make a road trip to Moose Jaw and skip classes the next day. He even sat up with us and fed us beer before he went off to school (responsible young lad).

So Junior, on your birthday I will drink two beer at a time in your honor,
and toast you with every glass.
“Here’s to Junior, he’s a horse’s arse!”