I have a sister. A woman eight years older than me (I like to point this out whenever possible.) whose job is so very important. She deals daily with life and hope and even death. I find her beyond courageous, generous and giving. She is about to embark on a trip to a third world country to improve medical care for thousands of women. In many ways, she is my hero.
It hasn't always been this way. However, up until I reached puberty, as seems to be when everything turned topsy-turvy for me anyway, I idolized her. She was the most popular girl in her high school. Everyone wanted to be her friend, and I found this simply wonderful. Obviously she was smart and she was an extrememly gifted athlete. All of this in one person was amazing and I wanted to be just like her.
I could go on and on about why this didn't happen and blame moving around from place to place, but in reality, it just wasn't meant to be. I really don't know why I didn't turn out like her, and throughout the years, not being like her meant I was a failure.
I wonder sometimes if this is why we have had some tumultous moments in our relationship. She is opinionated and very strong in her beliefs. But I know without a shadow of a doubt there is not one single thing she wouldn't do for me, my family and her own family. She parents her daughters with the power of a mother bear. And this is what works for her. I love her but I am not her. I am ok with that because truly, the world only has room for her. She is simply that wonderful.
And on another note....
I dare you not to giggle!
happymommy