My Sweet Second Child,
You have had a much different life than your sister. Your father and I gave her almost 100% of our attention for the first few years of her life, but you have always had to share us with her.
She grew up almost totally isolated from germs, while you are subjected to all of the cooties she brings home from school. Since you were only a few months old, you have been dragged to all of her activities, made to wait in the lobby or on the sidelines while she has all the fun.
At dance you try to shake things up by playing with the lobby decorations. You didn’t choose the dance life, the dance life chose you. At soccer you tried to amuse yourself by stealing the practice cones, but that did not go over well with the coach.
Because you are my youngest child, everyone calls you “Baby Henry.” It’s possible you will still be “Baby Henry” when you are 30 years old.
I just wanted to let you know that you are a very important part of this family, and we appreciate you.
One day it will be your turn to be the star. I’m not sure if you’ll be kicking the soccer ball, running track, or even taking your own dance class, but we’ll all be there cheering for you.
And while it may seem like your sister had a much better babyhood than you, never forget that you have one thing that she didn’t have until she was three and a half years old – a sibling who has loved you since the moment you came into this world.