Little Heroes

He isn’t very big but he holds his own. He has to with older brothers. This kind of guy is known as the “little brother”.

I would like to tell you two stories of two “little brothers”. These accounts will help you see the special abilities that they have developed to survive. They need these abilities to cope with older and wiser big brothers. In fact I am sure it is God’s way of helping them.

Christopher is 6. He has four older brothers that are bigger, sharper and sometimes wiser. They tend to pick on him at times. It is kind of like pulling the family dogs tail - you just do it because it is there – and in Christopher’s case – because he is there.

Christopher is our youngest grandchild. With his full name being “Christopher Murray Rourke”, you may understand that he carries some unique traits right off the start.

His Grandfather Bill Rourke and Great Grandfather Bill Rourke both were very unique men. Though I have never met them, I simply know from the many stories that they were lively, impressionable and spirited men. Both of these grandfathers were Ordained Ministers as well.

Christopher’s daddy, Bill Rourke, is also a lively, impressionable and spirited man. He hasn’t yet told his boys all the stories of his own childhood. I doubt that he dares to at this stage with four sons.

Now I won’t say too much about his other lineage – my side of the equation – except that I have been known to also be a lively and spirited man – that will leave an impression as well – ahem! I carefully clear my throat on this description – AND I HAVEN’T TOLD MY GRANDCHILDREN about my past… at least not all of it. My daughter, their mommy, has given me strict instructions to not tell them. (Is that unfair or what? They are good stories and the boys need to know what can be done….. Okay… Okay… I know… I know… I won’t say a thing …yet).

A Christopher account…
Last week my wife was with our four grandsons in Whitby for a day. There was lots of action in the house to say the least. After supper there was a little time to sit at the table with some of the boys while the others were doing homework. Christopher and Grandma Lincoln were together. It was then that Christopher asked Grandma to play “I spy with my little eye…”
“Okay Grandma… I spy with my little eye… ummm…something that is white.” Christopher said with confidence.

Grandma then began looking around the room. She tried every, single thing she could see mentioning each item by name that was ‘white’. Christopher answered, “No…” each and every time she guessed. “Do you give up Grandma?” Christopher queried with a big grin on his face… Grandma said, “Yes, what is white, what is it?”

The answer was simple and the long giggle that followed was full and very funny. Christopher’s said… “Your hair…” and then broke into barrels of laughter at Grandma’s reaction.

Remember Christopher is SIX. He is hilarious at times – a genuine comedian. Could it be that we have another “Jim Carey” in our family?

Justin’s account…
Justin is also the youngest in his family. He is 7 years old. We met at a Craft Demonstration that I was taking part last evening at Lang Pioneer Village.

As I sat at the table demonstrating “Tatting” - Justin came into the room looking around. He walked up to my table and said, “Hi, what are you doing?” There were no big people around – just me and him.

I then tried to give him a short description of “tatting”… an intricate form of lace making…that most adults cannot do… and kids aren’t interested in. Seven year old boys are usually not interested – for sure.

Justin listened closely…then stated, “That is neat! Did you make all of these things?” To which I replied, “Most of them,” I replied.

It was interesting to have a seven year old in front of me and to stay that long and continue to be interested.

I asked him when his birthday was. His reply was immediate, “April 30.”

I countered with, “Wow! I am only 17 days older than you! My birthday is April 13!”

“You are not,” was his counter, “you are older than that!”

“Yah, you’re right..” I replied, “I am 56 years older than you are.”

He grinned at me and said, “Wow! You sure are good at math!”

We giggled together. Pure delight… two boys and a simple connection. Oh the bliss of it all.

His mom and dad came into the room with his two older siblings dragging behind them.

Justin then proceeded to tell his mom and siblings what “tatting” was about…introducing me as he did.

When the family was leaving the room Justin was the last one out, he turned and said clearly, “Happy Birthday”, and then grinned from ear to ear showing the missing tooth.

Remember he is SEVEN.

I am sure that I have met the next lawyer or maybe a politician in their family. Justin was “good”.

"God Bless Christopher and Justin. The potential is great and the abilities are so many. Keep their abilities developing I ask. Most of all God, help me to see them and take time to listen and be with them. Thanks for placing these little heroes in my life now."

~ Pastor Murray Lincoln ~