Happy Birthday Baby Sister!My sister Emily, turned eighteen today. I don't know how we got here. Eighteen years old and, in the eyes of the world, a legal adult. No longer the little girl that I'd grown so used to having for a sister. We have lived apart longer then we ever lived together. I left behind a little girl, only three years older than Ellie now, when I joined the world as an adult. While I was starting a family, she was working through her junior high years. And now she leaves school as my own child begins it.
I missed it. Here she is, all grown up and I missed it all.
Not by choice, but by the nature of our lives. It is nothing that can be helped, nor anything that could change. It is inevitable that this would happen, for we are so far apart in age.
I always knew this day would come. I always knew she would become this adult, this beautiful girl that could navigate her own way through the world. I knew that she would be smarter, prettier and much more prepared for what life has in store than I ever was.
I always knew it, but I never believed it would happen.
The little girl I left behind has grown up without me. I know she needed her big sister along the way, but not in the way I wanted to be there for her. Let's face it, I was raising babies of my own, busy with my life.
I shouldn't be sad that this day has come. A day we all anticipated so much we could taste it, when it was our turn. I am so very excited for her. So happy she is ready for all life will throw.
But I am sad. Because, she is all grown up. And she did it without me there.
Happy 18th Birthday Emily. You were the dream that made me believe dreams come true. You were my first real prayer answered. You will always and forever be my baby sister, and I will always and forever love you.
3 comments:
Wow, it's hard having two of your 'babies' move on in the same year. But just think, as your sister grows older you will be able to share more adult things with her, you will be there to share your advice and views on the world. You didn't abandon her as you were getting your life started, you were forming an excellent example of how to build a strong family, how to succeed in your career choice and you were showing her how to be a patient and creative mommy. And I bet she thinks that you are just as smart and beautiful as you think she is.
And just so you know, I bet you are every bit as capable to deal with life as it throws it's punches as she is. I remember when you were just hired at work. Who is this new grad that thinks that she can be a charge nurse? I thought. That is going to be an absolute disaster. You were very much the opposite and continue to impress everyone that works with you. There are many more people than you can possibly know who not only respect you, but who look up to you.
So look at it as the success that it is. You are not only sending a beautiful, smart daughter off to school, but a sister, too. And when they succeed it will be because they had you as an example to follow.
And you are too beautiful. I hate when mommies don't think they are beautiful.
Jill,
Do you not see? You have not missed a thing!! Who does Emily call when she has been"wronged"? Who does she want to talk to when she hears a funny story, sees a new show on tv that she thinks is just great, finds the PERFECT OMG pair of shoes?... who does she look up to for her advice, strength, and reassurance that what she is doing is indeed the right thing? Who does she want to impress, please and someday live by forever and ever?
You!!!!
Every step of the way your sister has wanted to be like you.
YOU, my sweet first born.. are the most beautiful, honest woman that we both know.
You are full of great compassion and strength. You are full of love and understanding.
Your friend Lori is correct< you do not look at yourself like the rest of us do. Beautiful and also gifted.
It is with great pride and joy to say i have raised such a woman.
A woman who is BETTER than her mother in every way. It is a mothers greatest joy to raise their children to be, not like them, but so much more..
Now Emily is going off to college with great dreams, hopes and yes, fears. She will call home sometimes... and you every time.
Another bitter joy of motherhood. To have raised sisters that love each other so much that they do not need their mommy so often. Sad in a selfish way.... yet, the greatest gift i have ever given either of you.... is each other.
Each other to love with a deep bond that only sisters can have..no matter what age they are.
Thank you both for being the kind of women i always wanted to be. I love, honor and respect each of you as adults.
MY girls ...girls of the future stronger than any other generation!!
I love you very much, mom
You just made me tear up! You are obviously a wonderful big sister!
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