Ahh, there is something to be said for being an only child - not having a mom and a sibling like this: Mom never ever looked at me the way she looked at Fred. I will never have that, I knew.
Sure, she was my Mom too...But I was always too outspoken. Too colorful. Too loud. Too fat. Too Much.
I grew up in the shadow of four sisters and to this day I have a sense that I am invisible to others. ;)
You're capturing a feeling here that will pull readers in. Keep going!!