Siblings
Your Dad and I remark regularly how lucky you guys are to have one another – to play with, for companionship, to have someone share in the same childhood memories and experiences, and a partner in life that you will have for the rest of your days. We see how much love you have for one another and it fills our hearts. Sometimes it almost feels like too much, and my heart is so full, I am overwhelmed by emotion and want to cry. I guess that’s where the saying “tears of joy” come from.
As you know, and have been reminded pretty regularly, your Dad is an only child, so that can be a heavy burden to carry – to be the eldest and youngest, the only one to bear witness (of the good and the bad) to the world around oneself. There are upsides and downsides to families of various sizes, but we are so grateful that we have you both, and that you have one another.
Many of our fondest memories (and we are fortunate to have so many) is seeing you two care for one another, making the other laugh when one is sad, and having your own language to communicate that no one else can decipher. You two have such a strong and special bond, and it is one of our deepest wishes for you to nurture and cherish that for the rest of your lives.
Life is going to be tough and tricky, full of unexpected twists and turns, and I hope that you can help each other navigate it, looking out for each other’s best interests and well-being, because very few people will know you better than your sibling. In some cases, having that “insider,” but also external perspective will be immensely helpful and insightful, just knowing there is someone who’ll always be there looking out for you is one of life’s greatest gifts.
You are your own person and only you can make decisions for your life, but it also doesn’t hurt to bounce ideas off your sibling when you want to get reassurance, support, or a different perspective.
May you both continue your sibling journey with the same care and love for one another for the rest of your lives, and cherish the special bond that you can lean on anytime you need.