Growing Up

The older I became, it was more apparant that I had the responsibilities of the oldest but none of the perks. All the hopes of my parents had for my older sister where then put on me. I was a very geeky girl. I was tall, thin, and hopelessly uncoordinated. I attended the Catholic School next to where we lived. I had to get good grades, behave and be the peace maker in the family. We lived with my grandparents until my Papa died when I was 5. I was the twinkle in his eye and could do no wrong. My Nana wasn't so happy that I possessed no domestic skills. I couldn't bake, shine silverware or crochet to her liking. Not that I didn't try even up until she died. I took her some crochet hooks and yarn and asked her to teach me "yet again." She tried but I dropped a stitch. Such tradegy. She took them from me, called me stupid and then kicked me in the ass. Goodbye to crocheting..Thankfully, the gene was passed down to my daughter who does beautiful work. I thought I had it made when my brother was born. Someone for him to go to the games with, take long walks, fishing or just talking. It was not to happen. He wasn't into any of these things. So, back to track meets, little league baseball, shopping in the North End and of course, going to bars. I was lucky enough to have be shown how to bet on games, order drinks from a bar, go into men's clubs and tons of other things that would have made my mother very upset had she known.