So.. I am from a large family, eight kids, always a dog and at least two cats. I wouldn't say that he is my favorite, but my youngest brother and I have always had a bond that I never had with my other siblings. My sisters and I are very close, we have a lot in common and I would quickly call them "friends." And my other brothers are great, helpful, sweet and I love them just as much. But there is something about Ben.
It may be because when he was a baby I would wake up at night to take care of him. Anyone who knew the nine-year-old me knows that she did not wake up easily, but for Ben I always did. I even took him to show-and-tell at school.
Whatever the reason, I love and appreciate the bond I have with Ben. Even though it has been years since I lived at home, I still think about the way our relationship was at the time. Toast, "the drill." Ben hasn't seen my new house yet, but I think he'll like my office. The main items on the wall, directly above my computer, where I always look the most, are the cards and drawings he made for me when I lived out-of-state.
His cards were home-made, always cute and often featuring hedgehogs. One of my favorites references one of our favorite shows, "The Amazing Race," with a detour of leave or stay. There is also one with a TV set tuned to "All Debi and Ben All The Time!" I also have the Valentine he made me one year, the only one I received that year (I don't think that was while I was in WA, though).
When I moved, I didn't think much about how me leaving would affect those I love. I was ready for something new, and I was looking forward to spending the first real time with my oldest sister, as an adult. Me leaving was good in a lot of ways, I learned a lot and grew a lot (and got very good at self-control re: weight and food and working out). But, whenever I got the cards or notes from Ben, it broke my heart a little. I was glad for them, but at the same time I would ache a little inside. I've kept them, I think to always remember that feeling, to remember my little Ben.
