Honouring the Middle Child: Doug Paisley

I’ve long had a theory on the middle child:

• that we are a special lot that beat to our own drum,
• that we tend not to take life quite so seriously and harbour a bit of a rascally streak, and
• that we are forever (at least in our formative years) getting into trouble, usually for not conforming (oh hell, who am I kidding, I’m still getting in trouble).

It makes sense after all, as the middle child is often left to choose their own path, and when parents get busy, is often the one left to their own devices, as they are not the first one representing the clan, nor are they the baby that needs coddling.  For me this was certainly true, and despite it getting me into a lot of trouble as a kid (in my head I can still hear the *crash* followed by the inevitable “Emme”), being the middle child is a big part of what’s given me the confidence, independence and strength to follow my dreams and blaze my own path in life.

Tonight, I feel I am celebrating a victory for the middle child, as I was introduced to a childhood friend all over again through his music tonight:

To me Doug Paisley (or Douglas as I called him) was a fellow middle child comrade-in-arms growing up.  We were both somewhat mischievous dreamers that were not always understood and often in trouble . We were unique and walked to our own drums, no matter what anyone said.  I don’t know if I ever told Douglas this, but I loved him and respected him for it.  And because the boy had talent, gumption, and resilience, he’s now one QTV and singing with Feist!

Way to go Douglas!  I’m so proud of you!