"It's important to love each other, but it's even more important to like each other." These words were instilled in us early on by our Mom - and we were frequently reminded of them over the course of our sisterhood.
No matter what anyone tells you, having a little sister does come with it's perks in addition to it's drawbacks. We all know the drawbacks - having a "copy cat" all through your life (Jennifer, I was going to buy that CD. Jennifer, since when do you like that brand?), never being able to go anywhere without them (Elizabeth, why don't you invite your little sister along?), always being the daughter in the family to take the fault for everything (But Elizabeth, she's your little sister, you should know better), and being the "practice" daughter (Well, at least now we know for the next wedding...").
The perks may take longer to find, or at least acknowledge. For me, I was fortunate to learn that they existed early on in life. Having my little sister means that there is always someone near who looks up to me and keeps me grounded - the "copy cat" has simply been an admirer. I love that I am who she turns to for advice and guidance. It means that I will always have someone to text funny snippets from my day and have them immediately LOL back, or call when I need a sympathetic ear. I have someone to hang out with during the weekends or weeknights (especially when all I want to do is stay in and watch scary movies), to sit at Starbucks or Barnes & Noble to do absolutely nothing but read for hours together, and to run obnoxious errands with (but then end up spending three hours at Target). I will never be alone - I will never be without a best friend. I will always have my little sister to be not only by my side, but also on my side. Yes, we blamed each other for some things our parents faulted us for, but when it really mattered she has always come to my rescue. We are partners in crime, each other's confidants, and always teammates.
It truly is uncanny how similar we are - we sound exactly alike on the phone (which we've used to our advantage at times), we can make all of the same "silly" faces and voices (don't ask), we get mistaken for twins (or her being the oldest, oddly enough since I'm 2 1/2 years older and 4 1/2 inches taller). We enjoy the same books, share the same interests in brands, and we both have an irrational love for Disney. We're stubborn, strong, impatient, and wise. We get each other on a level that can not fully be expressed.
Although much alike, we're also different individuals. Jennifer has chosen a career in saving lives and enduring things I would never want to see, while I chose the path in the corporate world. I always have to turn the country station when I get into her car and don't share her fascination for cowboy boots and hats. She was blessed with the flowing wavy hair and fair complexion while I constantly fought with my frizzy hair and freckles. She's known to pick the first dress she tries on while I'll go to another 30 stores (although only to go back and buy the first dress).
Elizabeth and Jennifer. Wiyabef and Jayafer. We're two daughters who were taught to work hard, to be true and loyal, to be supportive and giving. While we were taught to not only love but to like - I never needed the reminders. I couldn't like my little sister any more.
No comments:
Post a Comment