There are all kinds of books and studies done about birth order, middle children, sibling rivalry, etc. However, I've always been curious about the relationships between sisters. You see, I'm the oldest of three and the only girl. My mother was an only child, and for most of my life, we've lived about 3,000 miles away from my father's younger sisters and my one female cousin. My maternal great-aunts are really the best familial examples I've had of the long intertwined bonds of sisterhood. Even my oldest and best girl friends from middle/high school and college are generally the only child or the girls in their families.
I always wondered what it would be like to have a sister; would it be a good thing or a problem, especially if she were older, younger, smarter, thinner, prettier, you name it. My brothers married lovely ladies, who both have sisters of their own. I've enjoyed learning about their multi-layered relationships with their sisters. I'm glad to count them as my sisters and I hope my friends. Even so, I guess I'm still wondering what it's like to have a sister, especially now that I have two beautiful little nieces.
Why the contemplation? My brother finally posted new photos of my nieces, sisters Amber and Elle.
For some reason it just cracks me up, delights me, and worries me all at the same time.
Are we looking at a precursor of things to come? What kind of relationship will they have? Will they grow to understand what a wonderful thing is is to have each other ... and to fully appreciate the other little siblings that are in their future? Only time will tell.
In the meantime, to my sisters-in-law and my many far-flung girl friends, thanks for being my sisters-in-spirit.