Rules of Brotherhood

I love my brother and sister and I know I always did. But we drove each other crazy as siblings do and should.  And if they taught me one thing, it is that for better or for worse, siblings have an interesting way of showing their love for one another. 
I know this first hand as the youngest of three and now as a mother of two little brothers that remind me of the golden rules of brotherhood:

1. Destroy egos-  You know, in the sort of way where you keep their giant head from growing, no matter how badass they are at anything in life.  What you later find out is that you helped create a semi-humble person, therefore half-decent human being. 
2. Pester- It is by nature's doing, totally acceptable to annoy the life out of one's sibling.  Look, the truth is that this is the exact reason for your thick skin.
3. Rough up- Speaking of thick skin, brothers were created to train you for a fight.  And by this, I don't mean in the figurative kind of way.  Every sibling should prepare you to reverse a hit properly.  That play-wrestling that turns into tears and scraped knees will save you one day.
4. Protect- Given that you are the indicative person to show them a beating, brothers are for eternity obliged to swear by the rule to protect and defend.  Because no one hurts your family, unscathed. 
5. Model- Because you are still each others heroes...and someone is always looking to you.
6. Never tell them how much you love them- It's just a thing that happens for a long time.  Even if you know where your heart is at.
7. Always show them how much you love them- Because everyone knows that I hate cliches, but actions do speak louder than words.  Ya feel me?

I didn't make up these rules and neither did my boys, but I am reliving these truths daily.  All I know is that when they think no one is looking, I catch the Martinez brothers snuggled in one toddler bed, cheek to cheek, plotting against their evil parents.

And I smile.   

Cheers to brotherhood.

All this wild wild love of ours
It can't be tamed, no
This wild wild love of ours
It can't be tamed, no
For better or worse
A blessing or a curse
Long live this wild wild love of ours
Long live this wild wild love