Sisterly Love

I am one lucky woman. I have been blessed with two of the sweetest girls in the world. Am I being biased? Of course I am! That is my right as their adoring mom. Are my girls perfect? Nope, which is a relief because then what would they need me for? But if there is one thing I have learned in my nearly six years of motherhood is that my kids are my teachers and if I don’t learn anything from them then I am not paying attention.

Almost every evening we have our bedtime ritual. It goes like this: pj’s, teeth, stories, tickle monster, bed. I am responsible for stories. It’s a nice time to end the day and share the love of reading. Each girl picks a book and we snuggle on “the big couch” to enjoy. Last night, my oldest, Marley, picked one of my favorites. It’s a book about two sisters that celebrate their likeness, differences and love for each other. I get misty when I read this book because I did not grow up with a sister. I have an older brother whom I love and adore and a best friend who is my sister from another mister, but I didn’t have that sisterly bond growing up so it has always fascinated me. I marvel at their relationship and how close they are. They are empathetic and compassionate and yes, sometimes mean to each other, but they always make their way back to the friendship.

When I finished reading, my youngest, Alexa, who is nearly four, turns to Marley, nearly six, and says, “I love you”. To which Marley smiles and says, “I love you, too.” Dude! Can I get a Kleenex!? I could not have been more proud to be their mom in that moment or humbled to witness this special moment. When Marley started Kindergarten this year I was concerned about how the separation would affect them. They both cried when they said goodbye and Marley told me, tearfully, that she wished they were twins so they could go to school together. Hearing that felt like a knife in my gut and all I could say in that moment was that I was sorry, too. Now, a few months into the school year they have both thrived from a little independence and always reconnect at the end of each day.

My wish for my little princesses is that they will always have one another to remind them of who they are, where they come from and that no matter what, they are never alone. I know adolescence is in the not too distant future so this foundation will most likely be rocked but sometimes a shakeup is the best reminder of what you really have. So what did I learn from my girls? I learned what it means to be a good sister and friend and that I am really lucky to enjoy watching their relationship flourish.

So, go tell your sister how much you love her…and that goes for your sisters of the heart, too. And now I will take this moment to tell all of you sisters of my heart that I love you and that I am blessed by your presence in my life!