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August 17, 2005
Thirty years ago today. . .
Photo: flairphoto.ca
Thirty years ago yesterday, I was shipped off to Uncle Delmar and Aunt Maxine's farm to stay for a few days while my mom went to the hospital in London to have a baby.
My memory of events that day is hazy. At 3 and a half, I think my reputation as a badass must have been already well established. My cousins and I were pretty much allowed to run around by ourselves on the property, including inside the pig barn. The only thing Uncle Delmar warned me about was not to go out the back door of the barn. Now that I think of it, perhaps my reputation as a badass was actually not all that solidified yet, otherwise he might have just tied me to the tree in the yard instead. Because, hello. Of course as soon as his back was turned I was out that door.
And up past my arse in pig shit.
Now that I think of it, it must not have been all that deep. I was pretty little, and it's not like it went all the way up to my armpits or anything. But in my mind I can see an endless mire of swirling, seething brown muck, bubbles popping on the surface, belching a great piggy stench. Kind of like the quicksand on Gilligan's Island, only stinkier. Since I hadn't brought enough clothes to afford to mess any up, I had to wear my cousin Chris's too-big trousers for the rest of my visit.
Thirty years ago tomorrow, when I finally got to go home, there was a beautiful new baby brother waiting for me. He was sweet-tempered and angelic, not at all crazy or high-strung or belligerent, like someone else we know. I never got to be the centre of attention again (and haven't gotten over it yet, can you tell?).
Happy birthday, Dave. You're one of the best things that has ever happened to me.
Posted by jodi at August 17, 2005 12:00 PM | categories: sugar shock
Comments
Happy birthday to your Brother! I must say, looking at this picture, your parents had their hands full with the both of you, didn't they?
Posted by: Sandy at August 17, 2005 01:53 PM
Aww, so nice. Happy birthday to Dave!
Posted by: Carrie at August 17, 2005 02:41 PM
Happy Birthday to your little brother all the way from Sweden! I'm an only child and immensly jealous of this blog entry by the way... :)
Posted by: Lisa at August 17, 2005 02:52 PM
Oh, I want a bike so bad!!! Dang you for posting a pic that makes me almost want to cry. Happy Birthday, Dave!
Posted by: peggy at August 17, 2005 05:11 PM
What a sweet tribute. It's ruining your badass rep. No more sweetness, please! ;-)
Posted by: Norma at August 17, 2005 10:29 PM
My sister says she had the grownups eating out of her hand until I came along and fucked it all up for her. 42 years later, she's never quite forgiven me, but we're quite close. Sibling relationships are amazing, aren't they?
And it's clear you know what it's like to be in deep shit and aren't afraid. That's a very good thing.
Posted by: Snowball at August 19, 2005 11:37 AM
Thanks to everyone for the happy birthday wishes.
Jodi, you're so sentimental. You've really got all these people fooled with your bad-ass internet persona ;)
Going to Mosport tomorrow, braap braap!!
Posted by: Dave at August 21, 2005 11:40 AM
As the mother of both the artist and the motorcyclist I would like to state that Jodi has always somehow managed to be the centre of attention, before and after, her baby brother. Love you both lots. M
Posted by: Mom at August 21, 2005 01:18 PM