an Older Sister

For four years of my life, I was an only child, and on my mom's side, also the only neice and granddaughter. Suffice to say, though I was excited to find out I was to have a little brother, there was no way my tastefully-spoiled self was ready. And I wasn't. At seven, I remember showing my three-year-old brother the "scary animals" on my parents' blanket; the same "scary animals" that had kept him from sleeping in his own bed. He started crying. I told my mom I didn't know why. Three years later, my little sister was born.
I say that to eliminate any preconceived notions of me being the nicest older sister. I'm not. But I also remember crying myself to sleep at nine thinking about how I'd picked on Jorgie and Deanna. I love my siblings--so unconditionally, actually, that since the age of five, I've made it a point to despise anyone that's wronged them; as if that somehow offering some protection. They mean the world to me. And even though they're hardly little (and definitely not helpless) more than 20 years later, I'm still shamelessly protective.
I came home to see my friend marry the love of her life. I did, and it was wonderful. But first, I came home to see my little sister graduate from high-school. I came home to spend time with my little brother. As a family, we have been through a lot together, and so my heart swelled to see how well they're doing. I couldn't be prouder. In spite of my early bullying, they've become incredible people. I even had the joy of dropping Deanna off at Ithaca College's orientation. We had a big graduation party to celebrate.
The boy had already left by then so it was really just the three of us, and our parents, and our extended family and friends. I absolutely loved it. Although I adored catching up with my best friends, there's nothing quite like time with family--the people who've known and supported you at your best and worst; the people who, no matter what, always welcome you back with open arms; the people who'll send you abroad again with hugs, kisses, tears and the absolute best intentions for what lies ahead. For as much as I haven't always been eager to play the roles, I've certainly become the luckiest older sister, niece, granddaughter, cousin, and daughter there is. This post got a lot more sentimental than intended because of it.