"To the outside world we all grow old. But not to brothers and sisters. We know each other as we always were. We know each other's hearts. We share private family jokes. We remember family feuds and secrets, family griefs and joys. We live outside the touch of time. " ~Clara Ortega
Today has always been a special day in our family. Not only is it Raymond Pert's birthday, but he born on our Grandma West's birthday. She always said he was the best present she ever got. Even though RP and I are less than thirteen months apart in age, he was always the one who learned to do things first. He was the overachiever, I was the follower.
At an early age RP took in information at lightening speed. Here he is reciting the states and capitals while I just try to keep up! Ummmm....did you say Bismarck or Boise?
He was also an early reader. Mom guessed he learned to read by figuring out the words on the cereal boxes. Here we are at Grandma Woolum's on Bridgeport Avenue in Spokane. RP is giving me a lesson on sounding out the words on the ingredients list and I am trying really hard to pay attention! 
RP was also a whiz in the kitchen at an young age. Dad always said if you can read, you can cook! Here he is giving Mom some tips on how to eliminate peas and mayonnaise from the dish she is preparing. Again, I am just trying to keep up! 
Brother RP was always the problem solver in the family. Here we are back at Bridgeport Avenue. I have no idea what is already in the trunk and what is in the box, but you can tell that Thinker RP has a plan!
Raymond Pert is a teacher, writer, husband, son, brother, father, actor, blogger, photographer, dog lover, book lover,movie lover, music lover, sports lover, casino lover, and friend. One of the highlights of the last year was inviting him to be our guest writer at the annual writing retreat I help organize in McCall, Idaho for the Northwest Inland Writing Project. Here he is enjoying the evening beauty of Payette Lake.Happy Birthday Raymond Pert!! You can visit him at his blog here.
This is really fun. I've so totally lost the drive to overachieve, it's hard to believe that was once a quality of mine. The pictures are great. That old camera Mom and Dad had produced some great black and white pictures. I imagine Mom took most of them: she had a great eye for cute kid moments.
ReplyDeleteWhat a nice tribute to our big brother. It inspired me to write a post about him as well. Check in out when you have a chance. See you tomorrow!!
ReplyDeleteYou are right. Mom did take some great pictures.
ReplyDeleteSVG: I loved your tribute also.