Lessons from my siblings

When I was in elementary school, I wanted nothing more than to have a sibling. All of my friends had siblings and even if they were complaining about them, I was jealous they had siblings at all. I was over the moon when I found out I was going to be a big sister and I wouldn’t have it any other way today, I just didn’t know I’d learn so much about myself from having a younger sister.

If nothing else, I’ve learned from my sister that my short patience is one of my biggest flaws. With us having about a ten year age difference, there was a lot of games I wanted to play with her that she wasn’t exactly old enough to play.

I remember feeling a bit mad when she couldn’t play my games because babies couldn’t play with Thomas the train sets. Instead, I learned to play with her. Even now, she shows me that it doesn’t matter how you are, there is always fun to be had.

As she’s gotten older, I’ve learned why my friends were complaining about their siblings. As much as I love my sister, she has made annoying me an art form. In turn, I have taught her plenty on how annoying I can be. We have even teamed up to annoy our mom and have had competitions to see who could annoy her more. My sister has helped to teach me that it’s the little things that make the best memories to have in the hard times.

Life hasn’t always been perfect for us, far from it actually, but my sister has taught me what it is like to have someone depend on you. I can’t count the number of times I’ve had to hold back my own tears to try to cheer her up and I would gladly do it all again.

I’ve also learned what it is like to need someone. I know for a fact that I wouldn’t be the person I am today if I didn’t have my sister. Sure, I would still have my mom and the rest of my family, but all of our lives would be a lot less joyful without her. And Abby, if you ever read this, thank you for all the lessons and memories we’ve made and will make. I love you.