Looking Out For Each Other

My four-year-old son Raphael (a.k.a. Apel) isn't really having an easy time adjusting to being a big brother. He often puts his insecurity on display, demanding that his mother carry him the same time she's carrying his baby sister Therese (a.k.a. Tala), or grabbing the toy that Tala just picked up even though he had previously been ignoring it. Tala, of course, adores her big brother, and you will often see her walk up to him and give him a hug, because he's the only one within the vicinity who approximates her size.

Every now and then, though, the affection shines through, and he manages to step into those big brother shoes that are such a challenge for most kids in his place.

Some time ago, Apel and his grandmother were on their way to the grocery store or something like that, and they left Tala behind with her Nanny. Tala, who by now had grown attached to her brother, started crying at the thought of being left behind.

Just then, Apel turned around and said to her, "Don't cry, Tala. I'll be right back."

I wasn't there for it, but it's moments like these that really make having two kids such a joy.