Can you see those little dots on the underside of this plant? That means there will be another generation. Photo in the middle is of four generations: my mother Minnie Burge Laird, me, daughter Becky, and granddaughter Chrissa. Photo was taken in Gulf Shores, AL, at a family reunion many moons ago. Photo on right is of four Cokers, all ‟second sons” (R to L): Bill, John, Eric, and Henry. This photo was taken at an Indy park for our 60th wedding anniversary in August 2017.
Birth order varies in the two family photos. My mother was the youngest in her family of six; I am the oldest of four; Becky is our third of four children, and Chrissa is the oldest of three. Bill is the third of four siblings; our son John is the second of four as is Eric and his son Henry.
I found this as a promo for The Birth Order Book by Dr. Kevin Leman:
Birth Order: ‟Find out what it means to you, your relationships, and your career. Do you realize that of the first 23 astronauts in space, 21 were firstborns and the other two were the only child in their family? Are you aware that many successful entrepreneurs are middle children? Is it any surprise that most comedians are the youngest child in their family? It’s all about birth order. Birth order powerfully influences who you are, whom you marry, the job you choose, and the kind of parent you are. Dr. Leman’s The Birth Order Book will help you understand yourself, get along better with others, overcome ingrained tendencies you never thought you could get rid of, and be more successful in the workplace.”
Now take a brief survey (actual or mental) about the siblings in your own family. A second-born friend told me that her older sister is the most organized, and that she herself is a mess. I like both their personalities. Among my own siblings: the third born is the organizer, the second born is artistic, the youngest can do no wrong, and I as the oldest am trying to learn how to organize better, be more creative, and do what’s right. Of all our four children I can say each has a great work ethic and a dedication to family. Have fun figuring all this out for yourselves.
Ann Coker 