Webmaster Ireland McCage poses with her brother Connor McCage in New York City, New York in June of 2012. Ireland and Connor have had their rough spots, but have remained friends throughout the years. Photo courtesy of Mindy McCage
Webmaster Ireland McCage reflects on her relationship with her brother Connor McCage, and the impact he has had on her life.
My brother, Connor McCage, is three years older than me. This means there has never been a day in my life where he wasn’t there.
When we were younger, he used to push me around and make fun of me, all for the sake of “toughening me up.” I didn’t realize it at the time, but he tried to take care of me in his own special way.
Whenever we had fights that resulted in screaming matches, tears and hurt feelings, we would always apologize, makeup and move on after a couple of days.
Connor and I grew closer last year, during my first year, and his last year at Clarke Central High School. Since he was one of the facilitators in my Journalism 1 class, we got to see each other every day. This meant he was always there if I needed something.
If I had a migraine, or I was feeling down for one reason or another, Connor would go and buy me a Sprite from the vending machines with his own money, just because he knew that they were my favorite drink.
It was painful at first to watch him leave for Georgia State University.
I wouldn’t wake up to the floorboards shaking to the bass in his music. I wouldn’t get to have any more late-night Rock Band jam sessions with him. I wouldn’t get to joke around with him and just enjoy his company anymore.
But, after having gone through a month without Connor, I can say that I am extremely proud of him for pursuing higher education, since there were times when Connor doubted if he could do it.
Even though Connor is now 74 miles away from me at college, if I ever need his help, or I just want to hear his voice, I know he is only a phone call away.
