sisters

when i was a little girl i always wished i had a sister. younger or older; didn't really matter. just someone i could relate to, emulate, stay up all hours of the night talking to, get in trouble with, bounce ideas off of; be there for.


i have fabulous brothers, don't get me wrong. i mean beyond amazing wonderfully supportive, sensitive, loving, protective, cheerleader and father-figure brothers. but there is just something about sisters.

i'll never fully know from experience, but have seen countless times in the sister relationships of other people, how truly special and connective that bond is. the bond my mother and aunt sisi have; the bond my grandmother and aunt frances have; the knowing glances and unspoken words; the best friend you have your entire life.

it really is beautiful to witness: my 50 something year old mother (you're welcome) driving to connecticut for weekend sleepovers with my aunt sisi. the all night laughter they share and the way the energy in the room changes when they are together; the stories they tell of the trouble they got into (and out of) together. listening to my 76 year old grandmother (i knew you wouldn't mind) talking on the phone to my aunt frances at 1 in the morning. laughing and connecting on such a deep level that onlookers and overhearers only "think" they understand it completely. a level only reached after having seventy some odd years of 1am conversations about this or that.

A wonderful comfort, i imagine, to have a person who knows you better than anyone else does or ever could as your friend, confidant, soulmate - your entire life. to have someone who is literally part of you; there for you. always.

so when i watch these girls starting to relate to each other, starting to get to know each other, play with each other, banter back and forth, and create their own special world together, it makes me smile out loud. because i know what they are creating is just the beginning of a bond and support and comfort they will have their entire lives. the kind of support and intimacy and connection that as a mom, you can only hope your children will experience and enjoy in their lives.

i see the way olivia already looks up to her big sister; smiles when she walks into the room. and how sienna is already olivia's biggest cheerleader; encouraging her and getting so excited (more excited than even adam and i) when olivia takes a step or finally mouths out a word. she gets right into her face and says (screams) "you did it livi! you did it sweetie!" how they already manage to get into trouble together and i have to do everything i can from laughing when i see the roles they assume when they get caught. Olivia the silent fallguy and sienna the smooth talking interpreter: 'livi is just learning mom. she needs to learn not to touch that. (turning to liv) 'liv sweeeeetie, next time you shouldn't touch that.' (turning to me) 'livi says she's sorry and she didn't mean it."