Strangely, both my mother and Kendall’s mother have brothers who are 14 years younger than them—the same age range between Leah and Charlie. I think I’ve mentioned the family lore I grew up with that my grandmother had practically reached a biblical age when she suddenly found herself pregnant with my Uncle Paul, like it was some kind of biological miracle. It wasn’t until I was an adult when I did the math and was shocked to discover she was only 38 when my uncle was born! Although a 14-year age span is huge during childhood (my 5-year-old uncle was the ring boy at my parents’ wedding), there will come a time for Leah, as there did for our moms, when their little brothers catch up and they are all adults together with common sibling experiences.
My sister and I are two years apart but because I skipped a
grade we had classes together in high school and many of the same friends.
We’ve been very close all of our lives (when we weren’t trying to kill each
other) and talk to each other almost daily. We used to tell people that we were
twins and many believed us. Lots of people think I’m the older sibling which always irritated me. My brother Bruce is five years older than
me and as a kid that put him in a different world. I admired him and longed to
be like him but it seemed as if he was from a different generation—the tail end
of the hippies (even though he was only 15 during the Summer of Love) while I
was coughing up the final dredges of the Baby Boom era and clearing
the way for the more dominant Generation X.
I can’t wait to see how Leah’s relationship with her little brother develops. Leah came with me to the NICU this morning and while she isn’t yet allowed to hold Charlie, his stats always do a happy dance when his sister is around. Leah has her 8th grade finals this week and will be entering high school in the fall. It’s hard to believe that she’ll be off to college before Charlie even starts school.
At the risk of infuriating her 14-year-old self, my daughter is one of the most brilliant, beautiful, compassionate people I know. Also one of the most talented. She has appeared in over 30 musicals and will no doubt help me introduce Charlie to the full canon of American musical theatre. (That education has already begun, especially now that we’re allowed to hold him every day. Today I left Rodgers & Hammerstein and began teaching him the songs of Jule Styne.)
But, after talking about our son Oliver’s Broadway theme song, I never told you about Charlie’s. While there may be some Charlie Brown in my son (Leah has starred in “You’re a Good Man, Charlie Brown” twice—once as Lucy and once as Snoopy), the song we always thought of for Charlie is from “Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory” which Leah appeared in last year. At that time, before he was born, we had no idea how appropriate the song “Cheer up, Charlie” would be for our little boy:
She's going to be the best big sister, ever. :-)
Posted by: Jane | June 07, 2009 at 09:41 PM
fantastic leah miss all of you very much charlie is definitely longer stronger and healthier. give big kisses to kendall, charlie and leah. love you jana
Posted by: jana | June 08, 2009 at 03:19 AM
Thanks for posting another wonderful video. I hope this week goes well for all of you. Charlie looks stronger all the time and Leah is a lovely and thoughtful girl.
Posted by: Pam G | June 08, 2009 at 03:56 AM
An early contender for Best Film of 2009...!
Posted by: Les Neudorf | June 08, 2009 at 04:29 AM
The tears are trickling down my cheeks.
Sweet and poignant post.
BRAVA, Leah! I can just imagine the lullabies you'll sing to your baby brother each night... the best of Broadway!
Posted by: Pearl | June 08, 2009 at 05:49 AM
I have watched this video 11 times already.
Sniff.
xo
Posted by: your sister | June 08, 2009 at 06:23 AM
If I have another baby in the next year (please if anyone in power is listening...) my oldest and the baby will be 15 years apart. Phew. Your daughter sounds marvelous. My son is 14 right now and it is a magical age for the spirit.
Posted by: maggie | June 08, 2009 at 06:46 AM
I am without words to convey what this video does to my heart. What a bunch of big love surrounds that courageous boy of yours.
Know that every time she gets to make a wish, Tess makes it for Charlie.
We love you. Every minute. Every day.
Posted by: Alexis Sanford | June 08, 2009 at 09:36 AM
Hi Guys: I love being able to check in daily to see the ongoing story in the life of the wonderful Charlie Miller. He is going to love looking at all of this one day! Far more interesting than baby-on-bear-rug in every way!
And Leah! I last saw her when she was a little girl and look at that beautiful big sister now.
Lots of love to all,
Your NYC fan club
Posted by: Susan Buckley | June 08, 2009 at 09:56 AM
The tears are streaming down my face. What a touching video. You're a wonderful sister, Leah. That's the perfect song for the perfect boy.
xoxo
Posted by: Lori Kirkland Baker | June 08, 2009 at 10:16 AM
And the award for best director, producer, and cinematographer of a short musical goes to...Danny Miller! It's nice to see Leah perform after all the rave reviews I've heard. She doesn't disappoint. Charlie holds his own as the most lovable baby in L.A. And Danny and Kendall are very convincing as the doting parents. I love that video!
Posted by: Julie R. | June 08, 2009 at 10:29 AM
Jeebus Danny, I should know better than to visit your blog at work. Now I have to go to a meeting with the sniffles.
Charlie is so precious. And Leah is a great kid. But she didn't raise herself so take a bow Danny Miller!!!!
Posted by: Maria Sosa | June 08, 2009 at 11:25 AM
This was by far the best musical number I have seen and I've seen them all on Broadway growing up in N.Y. from Oklahoma, Carousel, etc. The cast was terrific too .... real Tony material. Keep singing guys.
Love,
Marilyn
Posted by: Marilyn Molnar | June 08, 2009 at 12:34 PM
Danny,
I never knew you "admired" me when we were kids. And now, I "long to be like you." As far as Leah goes, maybe an Uncle is more objective than a father (i.e. Our father!). So let me say Leah IS "one of the most brilliant, beautiful, compassionate people I know. Also one of the most talented."
One more thing Danny. I was supposed to the the video producer in the family, but your videos of Charlie et. al. are world class!
I can't wait to meet Charlie. Hopefully before his first musical!
I'm proud of and love your entire family unit. Keep the faith and the strength.
Love, your big brother
Posted by: Your Big Brother | June 08, 2009 at 11:18 PM
i am kvelling Danny! Your girl is AB FAB! I adored her instantly and can't wait to meet her! I am so excited as I finally got Kendall's book out of the library yesterday and am starting it this evening as I have just wrapped Carrie Fisher's memoir Wishful Drinking which is hilariously delightful and a must read if you haven't already! Luv, Your Bellingham Soul Sister, Susie
Posted by: susie specter | June 09, 2009 at 06:58 PM
What a beautiful and touching video. It doesn't get any sweeter than that. God bless you all.
Posted by: Melody | June 10, 2009 at 12:16 PM