They Finally Like Each Other

Something momentous has happened at my house in the last few months, an event that has been a VERY long time coming.  I think my boys finally like each other.

When T was born, C was two and a half.  For the first eight months, C pretty much ignored the baby. I think he saw no use for him, and just wasn't interested at all.  But then T started crawling, and getting up in C's grill. T tried to play with him and his toys, but C was having none of it.  Sometimes I would catch C with his little brothers cheeks in his hands, gritting his teeth, and looking like he really wanted to get rid of him.

As they got older things didn't get much better.  The problem is, they could not be more different. They don't look alike, and have vastly different interests and hobbies.  I just don't think they could relate to each other.  There were never any all out fist fights, but certainly lots of arguing and name calling.  Most of the time they just stayed out of each other's way.

Looks like a hug, but I'm pretty sure it's a strangle hold.

I remember crying to my husband about it more than once.  I know they love each other, but WHY aren't they friends?  How come they don't want to play together and do brotherly things?   Hubby just shrugged his shoulders and said "at least they aren't beating each other up like my brothers and I used to do".  Very helpful.

But finally, over the past few months, something has started to change.  They have both matured, and are learning to respect the other's interests.  T likes to talk about cars with his older brother, and C enjoys attending T's sporting events and cheering him on. Recently I found them sitting downstairs on the couch together, having a great discussion about the future of WSU football.  Unprecedented, I tell you.

Last weekend, of his own volition, C decided that T's car needed new brakes.  He got up early on Sunday, went to the auto store, got the needed supplies, and spent three hours putting them in.  Without being asked.  T was so happy about this turn of events, he invited his brother out to lunch to thank him. Without being asked.

When they got home, I was a little teary eyed.  All the men in my house looked at me like I was crazy, although that's a pretty common occurrence.  

Someday when my husband and I are gone, I want them to be able to lean on each other.  I want them to do fun things together, and be each other's strength during the tough times. I want them to be friends.  For now, I'm so happy that they finally like each other.