SIBLING RIVALRY

My grandsons never cease to amaze me! The sibling rivalry that seems to motivate them to excel is so strong that while it can be exasperating when it becomes intense can at times be humorous, even touching. Rivalry is never more evident than when they are confined together in the back seat of a car. The close quarters brings on the bickering and boredom adds to the mix. McCaleb, the younger, is always competing with his three-year older brother. Always trying to measure up to his brother in sports and academics puts him on the defensive. A sample of this was observed last week., when they were being driven to one of their many after-school activities. After they had indulged in a little good-natured thumb wrestling, a moment of quiet ensued. Then, McCaleb observed seriously, "Tyler, I know that I am going to be rich when I grow up, but I am not so sure about you." To which Tyler replied , a little annoyed, "That really boosts my confidence, Bub, glad you shared that with me." Their mother had to smile wryly in the front seat, while trying to maintain her composure. This is the kid who pestered his Nana into agreeing to buy him a Lotus Elise if he gets into Harvard. He may have illusions of grandeur or else he is a dreamer. Anyhow, he has plans and for now anyway that keeps him focused. His brother is more the realist. He wants to be a doctor after a camp experience that let him observe two weeks in a local hospital. Another time, McCaleb told him, "Tyler, you don't have much imagination. I believe I have twice as much imagination as you do." ( He is forever drawing the interior of buildings, or spacecraft or such.) They are both great kids. I look at them and try to imagine their future. I hope to be around to see them succeed and live out their dreams. If possible, I will be there one way or the other. In the meantime I am looking around. Do you know anyone with a Lotus Elise for sale at a give-away price? I could store it away for a few years.