Before I make any complaints about being the oldest, I should state that my life is pretty darn good. Any whining about being the oldest is fairly trivial. However, at times it can be exhausting and just plain not fun. Much like the super star actor, or the big time sports star, being at the top makes for a long fall. As the oldest sibling I have increased responsibilities in regards to chores and helping around the house. I must always set the example, be more responsible, and be "the better person". One day after track practice I was supposed to pick up my little sisters, Anna and Julia, from their field hockey practice. Somehow, I let it slip my mind, and I paid for my mistake not by getting in trouble, but because my sisters were very upset about being forgotten. For a few days I wasn't the cool brother, but rather I was the brother who let his little sisters down. Being the big brother can be a tough roll to fulfill, and it is even harder when I don't live up to the expectations.
Being the oldest is pretty unique. Everything I did was special to my family members. Not only am I the oldest child, but I am the first grandchild on my mom's side. To put it in rather arrogant terms, I was a big deal. When I do something, whether it be in sports, school, or in general life, I am usually the first one to have done it. I am the first child to have graduated high school, the first to have gone to college, the first to have learned to drive and so on. Basically my family made a big deal out of everything because I was the first to do such things. Being the oldest came with simple but important privileges like being at the head of the dinner table, going to work with dad, and learning to shoot and fish. I am lucky enough to have my siblings look up to me and want to do the things I do. One of my saddest, yet best days of being a brother was the day my sisters Anna and Julia cried when they dropped me off at college. It broke my heart, yet at the same time it made all the responsibility and pressure of being an older brother worth it.
Is the grass always greener on the other side? I have no idea because I have never been there. I will always be the oldest. We always think there is a better position to be in. We must simply realize that our side of the hill is green enough, and that we will never be on the other side.
I really like how you're going to incorporate the "super star status" and responsibility of being the older sibling, two aspects of your role that I'm sure you handle well. As the young sibling, I can't wait to read your stories and see how the oldest thinks. Great topic!
ReplyDeleteI like the fact how you used personal anecdotes to connect back to the bigger picture of being the oldest brother. I knew instantly it was very sentimental for your siblings to see someone that was always in their presence leave to start their future. But instead, look at it as a beautiful thing and you being a role model. So, very touching, keep up the work!
ReplyDeleteThis is so relatable!! I'm the oldest in my family and I can totally appreciate everything you wrote about! I've had moments where I've let my two younger sisters down, but I've also had moments where I've felt so blessed to be the one that they look up to! I'm excited to see what other aspects of being the oldest you decide to write about here!
ReplyDeleteThis blog is very fun for me to read, because I am the youngest, so it's cool to see from the point of view of the oldest. It's so nice that you take on the role of oldest brother with pride, and that you genuinely feel bad when you slip up on your responsibilities. Keep up the good work!
ReplyDeleteAs being an only child it's hard for me to understand whenever my friends or anyone, tell stories of having multiple siblings but this blog post was very insightful and entertaining to read.Many times i have heard from people that being the older sibling is not a good thing since it seems like the parents are always focused on the younger children, but in your case it was the exact opposite.It's really sweet to read about the way you interact with your younger sisters and the admiration they hold towards you.I really enjoyed this blog and will continue reading it.
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