Member-only story
The Baby is Where?
How my parents scarred me for life trying to get me excited about my new sibling
I don’t remember my younger sister Anji being born. She has always just been there. I’m 18 months older, and we are worlds apart. But, I have always had a little sister, just like I have always had ten fingers.
I do remember finding out we were getting another sibling.
I’m sure my parents were trying to do their best. They had probably been reading parenting books. I know Mom frequently turned to Family Circle magazine for parenting advice.
Maybe she read some articles about how to tell your children you’re about to destroy their lives by bringing yet another competitor for love and affection into the home.
All I know is that my parents scarred me for life.
Mom and Dad sat us down on the brown and red plaid couch in the family room. The sofa pattern was trendy in the 70s. But, it was now 1981, and the material was thinning on the seat cushions.
If the couch material came into direct contact with your skin, you would break out in red hives. you would find yourself compulsively scratching yourself. It was worse than the worst winter sweater. The couch was probably stuffed with asbestos.
