I should be packing my suitcase. I leave for Ireland tomorrow(with my computer. I’m going to work on poor dear Dee as I’ve come to think of her). Instead I read Jenny’s post on character and found myself asking the same questions she did. I, of course, think Dee does have a “sucky” and “suckier” choice. Either fade away as the responsible adult wihtout surcease for the rest of her life, or succumb to her aunt and have her soul sucked out–along with her sisters’ souls. She really doesn’t see a way out. Of course, Danny IS the way out, but she’s too afraid to consider that. After all, if she just runs off with him, she leaves her sisters vulnerable, and if at this late date she decides to do that, then she feels she’s betrayed everything she’s sacrificed for all these years.

And yes, there is a whiff of martyr in her. It’s an intrinsic part of Oldest Sister Syndrome. I know, because I am one(a sister. Not a martyr. I’m much too selfless for that…..). In my family, we actually have an Oldest Sister Society, in which only the oldest daughter of each family is invited. Because, of course, nobody understands what we’ve had to sacrifice but us. As the oldest sister, I think Dee wouldn’t be surprised that Mare doesn’t really have too sucky of a choice. After all, isn’t the youngest child the spoiled one? Doesn’t she always get everythikng she wants? That’s sure the way of it MY family. And all the oldest sisters gather together and talk about it.

I know. I started talking about a writing exercise and ended up extolling the virtues of the oldest born. That’s because I plan on thinking about the exercise more tomorrow after I’m packed, my cat’s been fed, my plants watered, my various old people soothed and, my passport clutched tightly in my hot little hand, I settle into eight uninterrupted hours. Alone. With no phone. No emergency calls. No friendly calls that seem to go on for hours when I don’t have the time. No business calls that are only made to request somethign I don’t have time for.
But I will have time for blogging. When I find a cybercafe. So I can keep an eye on that Mare. Cause as a youngest child, you just don’t know what she’s gonna get up to. Now, if she were just like Lizzie…..

Eileen
P.S. We’re going back to New York! We’re going back to New York!! Somebody should warn them.