"Marc was known as 'Mellow Marc' by our babysitter, a God-fearing woman named Lillie Mae. Apparently, compared to his somewhat rambunctious older brother, Rick, and his cries-all-the-time younger sister, Kendra, anyone would seem mellow.  Regardless, the nickname pigeonholed Marc as The Golden Child. No matter what has happened since, Marc has done no wrong in the eyes of his mother and father.  A case in point: As a kid, Marc did something wrong. I don't exactly remember what it was ­ perhaps he ate an unauthorized cookie - but that's besides the point. Our mother demanded one of us three kids to confess to the crime. Innocent of all wrongdoing, Rick and Kendra rightfully said they were not the culprits. However, Marc, the true perpetrator, ignored the beating of his telltale heart and claimed he, too, did not do the deed. Mother decided a swat to the backside would ring the confession out of one of us.  She started with Rick. SMACK. No response, and certainly no confession.  Kendra was next. SMACK. Although a tear was shed, no confession was forthcoming. Finally, it was Marc's turn. (Why she chose the order of children that she did further illustrates The Golden Child theory.)  But before Marc would turn around and assume the position, he tearfully announced that he, in fact, was the guilty party. It was he who stole the cookie from the cookie jar. With that, the faucets were opened fully and tears came streaming down his cheeks. He was bawling as much as a child could bawl.  Our mother and father bought it, hook, line and sinker. Mother gathered Marc into her bosom and consoled her Golden Child with a strong loving hug. Marc escaped the spanking. The punishment wrongfully doled out to Rick and Kendra, both pure of heart, would not be given to Mellow Marc. There are countless other examples, but none better."