Ten Things of Thankful #54

The other day I was scrolling through my Facebook feed when I found a video Baby A had posted. In the video Baby B was attempting to get Baby C to do an “alley oop” with the Nerf basketball and goal the twins have in their room. Eventually Baby C “ooped” it and Baby B caught the ball and dunked it. It was a big to-do, and all three boys cheered the accomplishment.

As the video crawled along a warmness in my chest radiated from my heart, eventually reaching the tips of my fingers and toes. I absolutely LOVE that my children get along so well. I love it even more that the twins care enough about their little brother to spend as much time with him as they do. Baby C loves his “bubbies” and normally stays in their room to play with them when all three of them are here. The fact that the twins, despite having a toddler under their feet at almost all times, still care enough to take a video of him doing cute things and post it to Facebook (where it could be subject to the cruelty of their classmates because playing with your little brother might not be cool) absolutely melts my heart. I doubt I would have done the same at their age…unless it would have embarrassed my brothers.

I am incredibly lucky and unendingly grateful that my boys are so close.

Five years ago today there was an epic celebration in which I ended up exceedingly intoxicated. I did some fucked up, drunken dance to Cotton Eyed Joe. Repeatedly. The DJ played Greased Lightning and the twins, who at the time were on some Grease (the movie) kick, lit up the dance floor. Then some weird old man grabbed a handful of my ass. Our best friend drunkenly jumped off the second floor balcony after we got home and the rest of us were asleep.

That all sounds pretty damned awesome, but none of those things were the best part of that day. The best part of that day was Revis and Mrs. Revis declaring their eternal love for one another, and sharing nuptials. Today is their 5th anniversary.

Where I’ve done damn near everything wrong since I turned 18, Revis has done it right. Where I’ve been impulsive he’s been patient. Where I get involved with almost any woman who shows an interest in me, Revis knew what and who he wanted and patiently waited for things to fall into place. I envy my brother his patience and conviction. I am thankful that he has not had to go through all of the heartbreak I have in the form of two divorces and split custody with three children. He and Mrs. Revis did things right and took their time before legally agreeing to annoy one another (and no one else) ’til death do them part. Five years later, Revis still walks in the house after he gets home from work and heads straight to Mrs. Revis and kisses her. After he gets love from Baby E, of course.

Speaking of Baby E, she has finally opened up to me in the last few months. She gets excited when she sees me now. Just yesterday, when I was picking up Baby C, she grabbed me by the finger as we were leaving my mother’s house and dragged me all the way to her house so I would play with her. And I did. She, Baby C, and I played for quite some time and I was loving it. Baby C eventually decided he wanted to go home, because Bubble Guppies just ain’t gonna watch itself.

All in all, I’m feeling VERY grateful this weekend. I haven’t felt this content in quite some time.

Query: What are you thankful for, meatbag?