The Middle Child
March 2, 2010 at 1:29 am | Posted in Voices | 11 CommentsLike so many others across our country and the world. I was more than a little interested in the Olympics that ended on Sunday. Although a proud American, there was a little piece of me that was rooting for the Canadians to do well. I like Canada and Canadians. They are a proud bunch and an agreeable people by nature. I look at Canadians as friends, allies and brothers. The US has no better friend in the world than the Canadians.
As I thought about Canada, it occured to me that Canada is like a sister to the US. With that in mind, I could not help but to consider the relationship of the nations of North America and how they are similar to those of a family of siblings.
First Americans, the first born with all the attributes of the eldest, type A personality, overachiever and trend setter. A little aggressive, we were the first out of the nest and see our selves not only as the protector of the younger but also as the trail blazers who are determined to out perform the parents.
Then you have Canada. The typical middle child, they are the peace maker, the negotiator, the calm voice and comely personality. She avoids trouble but will stand with the family when trouble arises and is a true ally in turbulent times. You know you can count on her
Mexico, the baby of the family. The youngest that just can not seem to get herself together and again and again, finds herself in need of being bailed out. Constantly unable or unwilling to stand on her own and consistently requiring attention. Typical of this kid, she moves into our home becaue she has no food in her fridge but insist on waving her flag while lounging in our living room. A great place to party, but you would not want to send grandma to live with her.
Ok, before everyone out there starts hammering me with threatening comments, I will admit to being the baby in my family, and while the above is certainly an exaggeration, there is a morsel or two of truth in it.
The real subject here is the Canadians, those loveable Canadians. God bless the Canadians. While I was cheering and cursing and pulling for an American win in the great hockey game yesterday, I must admit that there was a sense of righteousness in having those Canadians win that game. As a good older sibling, I could not begrudge my sister in a win she wanted so much, and worked so hard for and that was so important to her. You go girl. We love you Canada, you done good!
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Middle kid myself!
Comment by CaliKaral— March 2, 2010 #
I have been the middle child for 39 of my 43 years and with an older brother and a baby sister – the middle is right where I will stay! AND yes, I want everyone to be happy, I want peace and harmony at all times! However, peace and harmony can quickly be pushed aside if anyone wants speaks poorly of my big brother or baby sister! Don’t mess with the middle child!!
Comment by klmx2— March 2, 2010 #
Exactly! spoken like a true middle child!
Comment by 20milesfromnowhere— March 2, 2010 #
I felt the same way about Canada and the Olympic games! I’ve always really liked Canada – been there myself and loved it! I was constantly pulling for the Canadians in any event where we didn’t have a chance – EXCEPT for the hockey game. I kinda wanted Canada to win because….well….it’s just the perfect ending to a great Olympic story. And I, too, found myself wondering why I was pulling NOT AGAINST the USA but FOR Canada. It’s because of everything you said – Canada is a great ally, with great, polite, welcoming people and who wouldn’t want great things for such a great country! I wish they would have beat Germany in the medal count….I guess you can say they got a BRONZE in the medal count but I truly wish they would have gotten the silver!! OH CANADA!!!!
Comment by Kathy Pierce— March 2, 2010 #
OH – and by the way – although you already know this – I’m a middle child!!!
Comment by Kathy Pierce— March 2, 2010 #
Great post! (and now to continue so you don’t think I’m a spammer)…I never looked at our relationships, country to country, that way before. But I love this idea. Really, great post!
Comment by Jane— March 3, 2010 #
Thank you,
I have toyed with that idea for a while now. Actually, I have several angles on that subject and could have expounded on the notion way beyond what would have been interesting in a blog format. I do appreciate your kind review.
D
Comment by 20milesfromnowhere— March 4, 2010 #
Great post…love the analogy. While my family position is actually the baby, I act like a middle child because I am a peacemaker. I hate tension.
Comment by suzicate— March 4, 2010 #
I am certainly the oldest. without a doubt. It’s funny that you write about canada– i was having a very similar conversation with my coworkers earlier this week. two of us are “oldest children”, one a “middle child” and one “the youngest.” we all supported our “rightful” countries as described in your blog.
Comment by sarah— March 4, 2010 #
I wonder how things might be different if you look at the world differently?
Comment by jllo— March 4, 2010 #
Shux! Tried to add an attachment to that last post. Try this:
http://jameslloyd.me/worldMap.jpg
Comment by jllo— March 4, 2010 #