December 24, 2019
My
sister and I have been close for most of our lives. Maybe it's because we get
each other; maybe it's because we are so close in age. Whatever the reason, we
have always felt like fraternal twins. (For all you comic book nerds, we often
refer to ourselves as the Wonder Twins.)
My sister refers to me as her
little big brother. Of all of my three siblings, I am the youngest. Yet, I have
never let my sibling ordinal ranking stop me from stepping up for my
siblings...especially La Leighta S. Harriet. From an early age, I saw sibling
love through my mom's brothers. Through thick and thin, I witnessed my uncles
have the back of my mother. I always figure it would be a good idea to do the
same.
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| Future Harriets and Hurd 3rd Crew |
So,
since I was about 13, I have had the privilege of having her back, being her tag
team partner, and listener. We sang together, danced together and even got into
trouble together (most of the time). Thankfully, our relationship has not been
one-sided. And then adulthood hits, but somehow, we don't miss a beat. I've
never missed a graduation. In challenging emotional times, I try to always be
just a phone call away. And if I can, I'll do what I can to travel the world to
be by her side.
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| Wonder Twins before she says, "I do!" |
In the last 7 years we both
have experienced a lot...most of the experiences were more good than bad. As
much of a social butterfly that she is, she taps my shoulder to help
with life-changing events. Whether it is being a shoulder to cry on, helping
pick her next automobile, or even walking her down the wedding aisle, she
believes in me to not fail her. I do not take that honor lightly.
Most recently the honor to not fail her became a family affair. The Hurd 3rd Crew (my wife, my children, and I) were all-hands-on-deck to help with the final part of her pregnancy. I will not tell her birthing story, because it is NOT mine to tell. I will say I am honored that my family could help her husband and her as they endured the journey.
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| Just an uncle meeting his new nephew |
And
now that she is a mommy my role has gotten an additional title: uncle. I wear
it proudly. I do not know what the future holds for us. I do know our bond is
stronger than ever; it is evolving. It involves serving my sister, her husband,
and her son. And while it is evolving, I know I will be there, to serve, until
my last breath!
-
Elgrie J.
