“Person” Reflection on John Mendis (My Twin)

“Person” Reflection on John Mendis (My Twin)

              I know you said for this assignment to pick a “mature” adult, but the first person that ran through my mind was my twin brother. He may be the same age as me but trust me when I say that he acts a lot older and more mature than most adults. “Mature” to me is someone who is very set in their principles and behaviors, but acknowledges and appreciates other people’s principles and behaviors. My brother to me fits that description as does many “mature” adults do in my life like my mom, my dad, and my favorite English teacher in high school. Honestly, by the end of this reflection if I had not told you that this boy was eighteen years old you would have never known. My brother to be ” honest is an “old guy” and he even proclaims it every moment we are home. As I was asking him for a song he said that many songs could fit his personality and his life but the one he thought of the most was Harry Chapin’s “Cat’s in a Cradle”.

          I really had no idea what this song was until my brother said mentioned it to me when I asked him. It’s strange because the song is about a Dad who is so involved in his work that he neglects having time for his son. There is a constant repetition in the song of the lyric “I’m gonna be like him, yeah, You know I’m gonna be like him”. This lyric to me is really sad because despite all the times this Dad neglects his son, the son still wants to be like his Dad in every way possible.

       I asked my brother why he picked such a sad song and he gave me two reasons. He said that in his life my Dad was always there for him and often many times would put his work off in order to be their for his children. However, since my brother often thinks far ahead in his life, he worries that one day he will have a kid and not be there for him/her. He worries because he thinks realistically and knows that  in the line of work he’s going into that you can’t put off work and make excuses even if it is for someone you love. The second reason why he picked this song is to be a reminder that even though he realizes and acknowledges that this may occur in his future that he can change that even though he may need time and experience to figure it out.

    My brother told me that his favorite lyric comparison in the song is between the stanza,

“I’ve long since retired, my son’s moved away
I called him up just the other day
I said, “I’d like to see you if you don’t mind”
He said, “I’d love to, Dad, if I can find the time
You see my new job’s a hassle and kids have the flu
But it’s sure nice talking to you, Dad
It’s been sure nice talking to you”

and the lyric, “I don’t know when, but we’ll get together then, Dad, We’re gonna have a good time then”. He said the reason why is that is showcases that the way the Dad treated his son ended up being the way the son treated the Dad. After years of neglecting and ignoring his son the time that the Dad wants the son’s attention the son is too busy and caught up in his work and life. Comparing that sentiment to the last lyric is really sad because the Dad realizes his son will neglect him how he did and the only time that they will get to spend together is when they die hence the lyric “I don’t know when”. My brother likes this comparison because it’s rational and real and ultimately showcases that sometimes life, money, and a job can separate you from the things that matter in life like friends, family, and loved ones.

          Through this reflection I learned a lot about a song I really didn’t know and gained a deeper understanding of why my brother acts like an “old guy”. I guess all these years I thought that my brother acted this way because he felt a need to be more mature than everyone he was surrounded by. In reality, my brother is just someone who thinks very rationally and logically and really doesn’t see the present and much as sees his future. It’s good to have someone like this is my life because I aspire to be a bit more logically in my thinking patterns. Even though that is true I hope in some ways I can teach my brother that he does not have to be so logical, mature, and like an “old guy”. I hope to teach my brother that even though his thinking is good that he is still young and he has his whole life to be “old” and this small window to be truly young and free.

Works Cited

         Harry Chapin. Cat’s in a Cradle. Paul Leka, n.d. CD.

Lyrics: http://www.azlyrics.com/lyrics/harrychapin/catsinthecradle.html

15 thoughts on ““Person” Reflection on John Mendis (My Twin)

  1. Chuck.Powell@stonybrook.edu

    Nicely done. I’m always pleasantly surprised by how well this song has endured over time. It’s message is clear and poignant and the “surprise” ending never fails to drive home the message. I think this one plays to every parent and would be parent. Even if you tried you wonder whether you succeeded in being there for your kids.

    Reply
  2. Vihyke

    This reflection beautifully highlights the true essence of maturity, emphasizing understanding and respect for others’ principles. It’s inspiring how your twin brother sets an example of wisdom beyond his years. Much like the way KFC South Africa breakfast menu at https://cfmenupricesza.com/kfc-breakfast-menu/ brings people together with its flavors, your brother seems to unite those around him with his grounded personality!

    Reply
  3. Nihal

    Your reflection beautifully captures the wisdom and maturity your twin brother embodies, making it clear that age doesn’t define true maturity. Speaking of maturity, the fast food menu prices at https://menupricebites.com offer a perfect treat for someone who enjoys quality, like your brother.

    Reply
  4. Malik Mobile

    poignant and the “surprise” ending never fails to drive home the message. I think this one plays to every parent and would be parent. Even if you tried you wonder whether you succeeded

    Reply
  5. Aarav Vihaan

    John Mendis’ reflections on the concept of ‘person’ delve deep into human identity and consciousness. To capture and share these reflections through a video, KineMaster Old Version is an ideal tool. It offers a straightforward interface and powerful editing features, enabling you to craft meaningful and engaging videos to highlight these thought-provoking ideas effectively!

    Reply
  6. jason

    “Pursuing The Illustrious Design” represents the journey of seeking excellence in every creative and professional endeavor. It highlights the process of refining ideas, pushing boundaries, and striving for innovation. Through dedication and vision, one can achieve a design that stands as a symbol of distinction and purpose. Pursuing The Illustrious Design is a path to greatness.
    Moreover, people can get info about gwa to percentage

    Reply
  7. awais

    This reflection beautifully captures the depth of maturity and foresight in your twin brother’s character. His connection to Cat’s in the Cradle shows his deep awareness of life’s priorities and the balance between work and family. Just as he contemplates how time can slip away, platforms like Freecine PC 2025 allow people to take a break and enjoy meaningful moments with loved ones reminding us that, despite life’s responsibilities, we should make time for what truly matters.

    Reply
  8. ovo88

    On my website you will see similar text, write what you think..Thank you very much for your post. I love your posts and everything you share with us is up to date and quite informative,
    I want to bookmark this page so I can come here again to read you, because you have done a wonderful job : ovo88

    Reply
  9. Naturlige slankepiller

    Naturlige slankepiller bruger forskellige mekanismer til at hjælpe kroppen med at forbrænde mere fedt. De kan fremskynde stofskiftet, reducere sult og øge varmeproduktionen. Lad os se på, hvordan disse processer fungerer. Naturlige slankepiller kan sætte gang i dit stofskifte. Det betyder, at din krop forbrænder flere kalorier, selv når du hviler. Koffein er en almindelig ingrediens, der gør dette. Det får din krop til at frigive mere adrenalin, som fortæller cellerne at nedbryde fedt. Grøn teekstrakt er en anden metabolisme booster. Det har forbindelser, der hjælper din krop med at bruge fedt til energi. Jeg har fundet ud af, at slankepiller håndkøb er fremragende til at booste stofskiftet. Den indeholder vandfri koffein og ekstrakt af grøn te, som arbejder sammen for at fremskynde din krops fedtforbrændingsprocesser.

    Reply
  10. DEWA4DKU

    I was amazed, I must say. Rarely do I come across a blog that’s both educative and entertaining, and let me tell you, you have hit the nail on the head.
    The problem is something that not many people are starting to take advantage of. You can always find the website here : OVODEWA

    Reply

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *