Friday Family History: The Rest of the Story

For the past few Fridays, I've shared stories of learning experiences that my siblings and I had growing up. Well, after last Friday's post, I received e-mails from my dad and sister. I thought today, with permission from the authors, I should share "the rest of the story."

Kristi,

I read your blog about [your brother], [your sister], and the hula hoop. I wanted to comment on line but am not tech savvy enough so I will fall back on the old fashion email. It was my hope that [your sister] would rise above petty revenge and display Christian forgiveness. [Your sister] was young and I had not observed her closely enough to form an accurate assessment of her true character.

Fortunately all three of you managed to overcome my numerous and tremendous shortcomings and survived, thrived, and evilved (I know it's misspelled but I wanted it to rhyme) into fantastic husbands, wives, parents and people.

Dad

My dad sent that e-mail to all of us kids, and my sister responded:

Dad,

I think my favorite part of the story is that you waited until I was in college, or possibly even married, before you told me that you had expected me to do something different. Instead of carrying around the feeling that I had failed to rise to your expectations, I carried around the memory of one shining moment when vindication was mine.

[Brother], I am (now, in my 40s) sorry about your caboose. Having you for a brother is definitely worth a broken hula hoop and a mangled bike.

Love,
[Sister]

My sister is generally kind, so I can understand why my dad thought she would take the high road. As for the mangled bike, that sounds like a fascinating story, but I'm afraid I don't remember it. (Guest post, sister and brother?)

Thanks for family, and especially today for my oldest child--happy birthday, son!

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Linda in Arkansas February 8, 2013 at 9:59 AM
Wow, this was such a fascinating story. I tell my family about last Friday's post. We all had a good laugh and a good discussion. I'm so glad to know what your Dad's intentions were. As a parent teaching our kids, things don't always end up as we hoped. After today's post, it's back to the family for another round of discussions. :-)
MarissaFebruary 8, 2013 at 10:09 AM
Family~ is the greatest gift from god! Thanks for sharing!! :)
DebbieFebruary 8, 2013 at 10:26 AM
I would love to hear 'the rest of the story' and Happy Birthday to your son!!! :)
ChristineFebruary 8, 2013 at 11:04 AM
I so enjoy family stories like this. It makes me wonder what and how my kids will remember experiences. It will be fun to sit around with my adult children and compare our memories of different situations.

I wish I could have seen your dad's face when you sister actually started destroying that train!
~Kc WaddellFebruary 9, 2013 at 8:44 AM
Family love is the best - especially when encouraged my Dad! Just stopping by from the Say it Saturday Linky Party. Thanks for sharing!
UnknownFebruary 9, 2013 at 3:28 PM
Yes, this is my first time to link up. I have enjoyed the stories. We have 6 adult children and our youngest was born 7 years after the one ahead of her. It is like they grew up in different families.
Blessings
QMM

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