My son Brandon was three years old when his sister was born. Little Charlotte was very lucky, we told Brandon, to have such a great big brother. An important part of his new role was to pick up his toys when he finished playing with them; a task Brandon performed with great pride.

About three months after her birth Charlotte was in her walker (which she had yet to master) watching Brandon play with his little cars in the living room. Seeing that they were content, I went into the kitchen to wash dishes. I returned a few minutes later to find Brandon watching Sesame Street alone.

"Where's your sister?" I asked.

"All done wit her," he answered matter-of-factly.

I waited a beat before asking him to show me where his sister was. Taking my hand, he led me through the door leading to his bedroom and opened his closet door. There, sitting next to the box containing his cars, blinking calmly at the sudden light, was Charlotte.

Brandon looked at me earnestly, "I was all done wit her, so I put her away."

10/20/00

Hillary Norfleet, is a web designer and search engine specialist. To learn more please visit the Design Staffer of the Month page and her resume.