Love's Divine

Divine Intervention

My brother Sean is six years my elder. Growing up as the baby brother, I was always attached to the hip of Sean or my other brother Wesley. Wesley is five years older than I. Between the two of them, they found time to torture me routinely on Saturday mornings. Whether it was my choice in cartoons, or desire to play the Cello, they often found something to use as a catalyst in ultimately tying to a bed or tree. Fortunately my wrists are very small and I would often escape within minutes of their treacherous acts. My blood now boiling, a battle would ensue for the next thirty minutes. I would always end up surrendering as both of my brothers exerted age and strength over me.

As I got older, my brothers and I continued our shenanigans, yet they both were now in high school and began lifting weights. Sean excelled at this tremendously and set a few freshman weightlifting records at Deland High School. As our conflicts became more and more physical, it became evident that I would never be able to match the muscular abilities of my brother. I became mindful of this giant as he approached me. His arms had become solid steel canons deploying mortars into my chest reminding me of his presence whenever I ventured too close. I learned to keep my defenses up at all times as he could unleash a punishing blow at any time. My youth, speed, and agility were no match for his overwhelming strength.

This behavior has continued to even now as I am in my late 20’s and Sean is in his mid 30’s. This weekend he brought his family down from Atlanta to visit on the three-day weekend. As I walked up the stairs to the room he was staying in, I preceded with the same caution I had always shown in his presence a toddler. A quick knock on the door was quickly answered by a light and gentle voice on the other side. “Come in”, he spoke softly. Nothing could prepare me for what happened next.

I opened the door slowly wanting to examine my escape route if need be. Upon first glance I saw my brother lying peacefully on his side. The terror level was lowered to a very light yellow!! Lying on his powerful bicep was one of the most beautiful creations I had ever seen. Olivia Divine is the newest addition to the King family. Her arrival in November was met with as much anticipation as any baby would conjure, but this arrival was pleasant surprise on the resounding effect she would have on my brother.

This once proud and overly arrogant man had been reduced to whisper and quiet talk. As I walked in the image of him gently stroking the cheek of his daughter is a true testament of how beauty can tame a beast. My initial reaction was one of amazement as this was my first chance to see my newest niece. Her tiny body and adorable face made me proud that she was named after me!! (Okay maybe she is named after my mom, Olive, but Olivia, Olive, Oliver…I could be in there too!!)

Sean on the other hand was a completely different person. This is all in a good way. I was dumbfounded by this newly found gentle giant. The arms that I witnessed easily bench press 480lbs, were now used a pillow for a beautiful baby girl. The man who on every opportunity would proudly proclaim that he was the “Greatest” was truly humbled my Ms Olivia Divine King.