It's A Boy

By Whitney

"Whitney, it's time to go," called my grandma from the next room. As I heard those words, I was both excited and anxious. In a matter of minutes I would be seeing, for the first time, a new addition to our family, my new sibling, someone who I will have as a companion all my life from this moment on.

In the car on the way to the hospital, sitting next to my grandma, my heart beating wildly, I was pondering, what is it going to be like to be an older sibling? What will my younger sibling look like?

As I was walking down the halls of the hospital, it felt cool all around me, it smelt fresh and new. All around me, there was green and red symbolizing Christmas. As we approached the nursery, the nurse that was inside came out and glanced at me. Then she took me by the hand, as I was instructed by my grandma to follow her. Another nurse placed two buttons on my shirt, one reading, "It's a boy," another reading, "I'm a big sister." Then that feeling of anxiety, a feeling that even a 5 year old can't mistake for anything other than anticipation crept up yet again. The nurse reached into a clear rectangular box and pulled out my baby brother. He looked so small and helpless. He was wearing a blue, long sleeved, fleece outfit. The nurse placed him in my arms and instructively showed me how to hold him. As I held him in my arms, I could feel him breathing, small, short breaths, even as a little 5 year old, I felt strong and responsible. This was my brother for life.

When I walked into my mom's hospital room, the strong aroma of many different flowers filled my nose. My mom was lying in the bed looking tired, but at the same time, warm inside and happy. My dad was standing at her side, and within seconds when I walked in the door, he was embracing me in his muscular arms. Now I felt small, helpless and safe, just as my brother probably felt when I held him. The nurse walked in wheeling in my brother ahead of her. When she left, my dad lifted my brother out of his bed and once again, he was placed strategically into my arms. Just my brother, my parents and myself were in the room, and standing there, holding my brother, my parents both proudly smiling at us, I felt important. I was a big sister and this was our family. "Whitney, this is your new baby brother, Philip."

As long as I live I will remember that feeling, of embracing my brother feeling strong, responsible, honored, and most of all happy.