I, like some others, was a “surprise”. I was the third child, the only girl and my brothers were 18 and 20 years older than me. My mother was 41 when I was born. My brothers were already out of the home so I was raised as essentially an only child. The middle brother was the one I felt closest to and he often included me (as well as our parents) in his family outings, etc. Sadly he is deceased now as are my parents. My oldest brother, who is 92, has mild alzheimer’s. He seldom initiated contact even when our parents were alive but seemed always happy to hear from us if we made the effort. His wife, who called more often, now has developed dementia and is suspicious about calls or interest shown. Their daughter keeps the family up to date periodically.
