I’m a middle child, my wife is a middle child and we have three kids. My middle daughter often reminds me of her middle child status and that too often she gets “overlooked.” The oldest is the first to experience, gets everything new and is often the most recognized. The last is coddled as there are no more to follow. The middle just go about their way as if no one is watching or cares.

Well . . . that all may be true, but to the “middle children” of the world, please know:

You are the strength and glue that holds families together.

You are often the “first” to lend a hand, and the last to ask for one in return.

You are independent, and we are learning from you, whether or not we acknowledge it.

You are courageous in your anonymity.

You excel through your own strength and courage.

You are often hardworking and willing to do the “dirty” work.

You are appreciated for your kind and loving spirits.

You are not the engine – You are not the caboose. You are the precious cargo of the family. Without you, there would be nothing for the engine to pull or the caboose to protect.

You may be ignored. You may be overlooked. But you are the heart and soul of the family.

Timothy Velner is a husband, father, attorney and author living in Minneapolis. You can follow his daily blog – a series of discussions between the worry-self and the present-self at – thespiritualgym.me