Siblings...

....Aren't they wonderful?  If you are an only child, I'm so sorry for you! I used to think that an only child just grew up lonely, and missed those really early lessons on sharing, etc.   I have now come to realize that there is much, much more to this sibling thing than just fighting over who gets to ride "shotgun", or who ate the last donut.   It's having other people who share your same memories....and others who can fill you in on the memories you've forgotten.....and even some stuff you were totally unaware of.

Being a mother myself (4 children), I can honestly say that, although I love all my children....I love each of them differently.  I am learning that my own mother actually related to each of her children in different ways, as well.  I'm 58 years old, and am just coming to this realization! It's been a real 'eye-opener' for me!

For instance.....my younger sister mentioned to me the other day, a comment that our mother made to her, about our dad's attempt at growing a beard.  Mom never liked facial hair on a man....especially HER man.  But she commented to my sister that she guessed "...sometimes you have to go through the brush to get to a picnic".  WHAT?!  Was she implying that although she didn't like the beard, she still enjoyed his kisses??  It's just one of those things I'll never know, now, seeing as how mom passed away many years ago.   

Then there's my older sister.  SHE can talk to Dad about things I would never utter, to my father!!!  Seriously!  They seem to have the kind a rapport that allows them to talk about the most intimate details of certain subjects...which I will not divulge here.  It totally amazes me that she & Dad can do this!   Her relationship with Mom was rather strained for many, many years, and my sister was never able to really get close to Mom.....maybe she makes up for that loss by getting closer to Dad.  Who can say?

MY conversations with my mom (and my dad) are of a completely different type!  My mother had a marvelous sense of humor....my older sister says she never knew that about mom. (so sad!)  Mom and I spent many happy hours just making each other laugh!  She and I used to LOVE to get up early on Saturdays....have breakfast at Denny's, and then go garage sale-ing for the day.  We found some terrific bargains, and had so much fun!!  I sure do miss my mom!!

I haven't discussed this with my brother, but I can only assume that HIS conversations with Mom and Dad were of still another type!    So, having siblings really serves to give you a much better "rounded" version of the people you THINK you know as your parents!  It allows you to really come to terms with how a parent interacts differently with each of their children....even while raising them all under the same rules, boundaries, and limitations, and attempting to instill the same values.

If you have siblings....compare notes and observations next time you're all together.  You may be really surprised to hear of a side to your  mom or dad that you never knew existed!  You'll really begin to see your parents as PEOPLE, with their own hopes, dreams, and wishes....and you'll learn of the sacrifices they made on your behalf.