Your father would prefer that I call you Tess, but since I'm your aunt I can call you whatever I want. Only sweet words, of course.
He adores
you. I knew this on the day he called to say Mommy was pregnant. I could hear
it in his voice. He was never scared or nervous, but sure that this is all he
had ever wanted in his life.
Unlike
your aunt, Papà is a man of certainty. He
wakes up before 6, is always on time, and knows which bag of chips he'll want
at the corner store before we even get there. Sometimes, this quality will be
frustrating when you'll want to browse the shoe section, change into a dress
and not wear pants, or arrive fashionably late. For him, it's all about the
destination, girl.
Deal with
this. This is not the battle you'll win. The best thing about him is that he'll
still be sweet to you, even if you're late or can't choose what to eat off the
menu.
Let me
teach you some tricks on how to get what you want. He may have been my arch
nemesis, but he's still my big brother, which means that he'd always do anything
for me. You have to use his practicality against him. For example, if the goal is to assemble my
dresser, it's more efficient if he just builds it. He'll do it better and
faster. All I have to do is pass him the tools, maybe fetch some water or a
towel, and provide company/entertainment.
Also! Look like you're working and ask questions.
It makes him think that you are trying to learn how to do this on your own
someday. Say thank you a million times over and really mean it. He'll go above
and beyond for you if you're just appreciative.
I hope
that you'll be good enough to beat him in basketball a few times in your life.
He's a tough competitor with his size and speed. He is always in full control
of his body, but if you want to beat him, you'll have to work twice as hard and
run three times as fast to get the loose balls. He only chases the ball if
there is a chance to score. Also, pump fake, a lot. Otherwise, you'll be eating
the ball when he blocks your shot. He’s just really good at lots of
things. It’s annoying, I know.
Here are
some other quick things you should know about your dad:
·
He
has a tendency to tap on things and sing while you're trying to read.
·
If
you act helpless, he'll do anything for you. He still doesn't know that I know
how to connect a DVD player to the TV.
·
Only
1 out 4 of his jokes are funny, but that 25% will have you in stitches. He does
really good impressions, too. “Hercules! Hercules!"
·
Before
you get all super embarrassed of him, have him to teach you how to dance and
sing. He's the best at both. He also writes beautiful songs that will make you
want to gag because you'll love them so much.
·
Your
dad is a great listener and gives great hugs, especially when you’re crying.
He's
also an emotional man, which makes you the luckiest girl in the world. He'll
understand when you're in a bad mood and will do anything to make you happy
again.
Finally, dads
sometimes don't get it. They won’t understand when you’re craving chocolate or are crying for no apparent reason.
But don’t worry; your dad has lots of
practice with one of the craziest teenage girls of all time: Moi. When you’re about to get fed up with him, cut him some slack. He
wants to understand, but he just can’t. Ask him to take you out for
ice cream or for some space. He’ll do it. This, My Dear, is
why you’re the luckiest little girl in
the world. Don’t you ever forget it, and
whenever you do, call me and I’ll give you a friendly little
reminder.
Love,
The Most Rotten Little Brat Ever
The Most Rotten Little Brat Ever
I hope you write, like, 100 more of these letters to Tessa. I love them!
ReplyDeleteAgreed! Both of these posts warm my heart. I LOVE being and AUNT!!! Enjoy and congratulations to your family xx
ReplyDeleteThis made me cry! I spent all day yesterday having a "crazy tia" day with my 4 year old niece. Just me and her at the salon, then the toy department, followed by her first ever meal at Mc Donalds, and capped off with time spent laughing for no reason and being silly on swings and slides in a park. Basically doing all of the "silly" things that only a tia will let you do.
ReplyDeleteEnjoy the same feeling that I do in knowing that these are things she will remember forever and you'll play a role in her life that no one else ever will...no matter how many other aunts she may have :)
Maybe because I am pregnant myself, this made me absolutely bawl. Beautiful tribute to your relationship with your brother.
ReplyDelete