Being the first daughter, first grandchild, and first great-grandchild, I was spoiled rotten. From embarking on spontaneous playground adventures, to eating ice cream for dinner, I knew I was the center of attention among my family. Whatever I desired, I received. Whatever made me upset, was immediately removed from my sight. Even though I was just a measly two-year old, I understood the assignment of embracing the role of the main character in my household. Then, everything changed once my sister was born.
Arriving at the hospital, the smell of antiseptic immediately overwhelmed my senses. Holding my Nana and Papa’s hands, I timidly stepped in the delivery room and noticed my parents looking down towards my mom’s hands. Escaping my Nana and Papa’s grasp, I ran over and hopped on the white bed. Thinking to myself ‘what could they possibly be looking at’, I looked down, and there she was. Swaddled in a white blanket, her small head was the only part visible, and it was covered in a knit, pink hat. Intrigued by this alien-like being, I cautiously extended my hand to touch her. Feeling her soft head, I grasped the concept that she is now a permanent member of my family. Promoted from an “only-child” to an “older sister” meant I now had a built-in playmate, which was exciting.
Growing from a family of three to a family of four took time to adjust to, especially since I was no longer the only child. Now, our events revolved around my sister’s life: what time we ate, when we walked to the park, and when we visited my Grandparents. Even though I was only two-years old at the time, I distinctly remember “playing” dolls with her. Except “playing” only consisted of me placing a doll in her lap while she slept in her cradle. However, as we both grew older, petty fights became a daily routine. Like most siblings, our fights revolved around pointless things such as who can wear the purple barrette, or who can use the blocks. Yet, whenever we were civil to each other, we were practically inseparable. Sometimes, we would wear the same clothes and shout throughout the house “WE ARE TWINS”! She could either be my worst enemy or my best friend. As we grew older, though, we also became closer. Now, being ages 18 and 19, we rarely fight or have disagreements. We enjoy watching the same T.V shows, such as ‘High School Musical the Musical the Series’, and we enjoy going on coffee dates together.
Carrying the responsibilities of an older sister is something I don’t take lightly. Oldest siblings are viewed as caregivers, not only for their immediate family, but also for their extended family and friends. It is extremely important that I am always someone my sister can trust and talk to. When my sister broke up with her boyfriend, I was there for her holding ice cream and her favorite movie: Pride and Prejudice. When my sister discovered that she received the main role for ‘The Sound of Music’, I immediately congratulated her and bought tickets to her show without hesitation. Wanting what is best for her, I make an effort to call her often and remain present in her life, even though we are apart. I can’t imagine my life without my sister because she has changed me for the better. I will always gladly be known as the “older sister”.
