written November 2, 2011
“David, are you ready to go?” boomed Grampa Tuba.
David slowly rattled down the stairs. “Yes, sir, I’m ready,” he said quietly.
The ride to school seemed to take a year. When they were almost there, Grampa looked over at David. “You know, the one thing your mom and dad will need most right now is for you to just obey. Do that and you won’t need to worry about anything!”
David’s mouth fell open. “How did you know I was worried, Grampa?” he asked.
“Oh, I don’t know.” There was a twinkle in Grampa’s eye. “I just had a feeling. You’re a good boy. I know you’ll make a great big brother.”
The car stopped and David got out. “Thank you, Grampa!”
“Have a good day at school now!” Grampa Tuba called.
And David Drum did have a good day at school, all the way until recess, when Mrs. Violin, his teacher, asked him if he was excited about becoming a big brother.
“Excited? Um, I guess.” Suddenly, David was worried again.
Mrs. Violin patted him on the back. “Do you know what my little boy did when he got a new baby sister?”
“What!” David’s eyes got wide. Maybe Mrs. Violin’s boy had figured out how not to be worried about his new, important job.
“He helped me feed her, and he always found her a blanket for when we went out. He was a big help!” Mrs. Violin smiled at David. “You are a fine boy, David. You will make a grand big brother!”
“My mom says I am a good helper already. I don’t need to worry at all, do I?” David was happy again, and he skipped off to play.
When school was over, the bell rang, and it was time to go home. Mrs. Violin waved to all her students as they left. She gave a special little wave to David as he started on his walk. “Have a good afternoon, David Drum!”
And David did have a good afternoon, all the way until he got to his house. His best friend Cyndee Cymbals walked with him because she lived three houses down. The whole way home, they laughed and talked about silly things that happened at school. Right before Cyndee said goodbye, she asked David a question.
“Are you ready to be a big brother, David Drum?” Cyndee gave him a nudge and a smile.
“Um, I think I’m ready.” David swallowed a big swallow. A loud wail came from inside his house.
Cyndee Cymbals laughed. “I can hear your baby sister! It sounds like she needs you to play with her.”
David jumped for joy. “I love to play! I will be the best big brother ever!”
And he was.