In this special edition of the blog, one sister and one brother compare childhood memories.
Stephanie
The first memory I can taste the shape of is this: a family friend, a priest, hid a remote control behind his back and turned the channels IN FRONT OF MY EYES. I thought his direct line to God empowered his flicking capability.
Patrick
My first family memories were my adoption day, my first day of school, my first Christmas with the McGrath, my first camping trips with the family and dogs, my first hotel trips with the family [Halifax and Boston], my first trip with the family to pick up a puppy, [Simon, our Golden Retriever] and my first plane trip to Toronto to see Gram.
One McGrath behaved well in New York, one did not.
Stephanie
My first family memories of you, Pat, my MOST FAVOURITE BROTHER EVER were of a one-piece splash suit - you holding mom’s hand and waiting for me & your other sisters (which one is your favourite?). On mom’s other hand was Erin, our youngest sister (is she your favourite?) always decked out in sweat pants. And – um- wait a minute, PATRICK. How is it that we’re writing together and I don’t even get a mention in your memories … not even a spark?
Email From Patrick
Dear Stephanie:
Here is my brand-new paragraph! Read it and weep!
Patrick
Patrick
When I saw Stephanie, I thought, though a teaser at times, she is fun to be with and travel with. When I saw Erin, I was referring to the Hillsborough house as Erin’s House. When Melody first taught me the notes on the piano is when I started learning lots of songs by ear. When I saw Jennifer I loved her stories and her love of things like dogs, cats, and horses. When I first saw Mom when she picked me up in that Volvo 240 Wagon I had no idea that she would be my mother to be and when I moved in, I loved her very much. When I first saw Dad in his Datsun King Cab pickup I noticed how funny he was and when he and I drove to the dump we had fun listening to Swinging on a Star on CBC and singing songs like I Had a Dog, High Hopes, and Swinging on a Star. When I saw the dogs I loved them so much that I walked them a lot, even when we went camping. I loved them so much I visualized my older self having a dog of my own, which actually happened, but was short lived. When I saw the family I was very excited. I thought “What a very nice, interesting family. I loved the family very much. I would describe this family as a really excellent family that helped me out in so many ways.
Stephanie
Pat, thanks for the mention. I’m glad you had a dog of your own and that we’re – with you – an “excellent family”. I think it’s funny how we grew up in the same house, but remember things differently. Remember how you hated it when your toiletries got rearranged in the bathroom – not lined up – and sometimes mom would turn the toothpaste upside down on you as a joke? I can’t BELIEVE you still think I did it. It wasn’t. Me. Also, who is your favourite sister? Did you know that one of the first things I remember – ever – is that I thought God helped Father Bill change TV channels because I’d never seen a remote control before?
Patrick
I did not know that Father Bill taught you to use a remote control. About the above paragraph, I know Mom would never rearrange my toiletries or turn my toothpaste or deodorant upside down. And neither would Jennifer. I only know one person who would do this and that would be you. Besides I have 2 witnesses who heard my toiletries rattling and saw you come out. These witnesses said yes by wagging their tails, which answers “yes” to any question I asked them.
Text Exchange:
Steph: PS who is your favourite sister?
Pat: No favourites when it comes to family or sister.