Thank you for giving me her

I love my sister. She is just simply an amazing human being.

Growing up, it was not always easy. She was, and still is, four years older than me, as a result we did not have a lot in common. She was the grown up one who was allowed to do everything and I was the annoying one who quite simply just annoyed her.

In school, she pretended I didnt exist and I quite predictably, enjoyed shouting at a very high volume, all across the playground, "Whhoooo sister, here I am".  Hilarious! With hindsight, maybe not.

That said, now many years later, we couldn't be closer. We spend so much time together, despite the distance.  We hang out together, we drink tea together, we read books in the same room, we go for ice cream and we just exist together easily.

In addition to being the best sister, she excels in her other family duties. She buys my husband the coolest gifts and even sends my in-laws Christmas cards. The best bit is, and the reason she stands out amongst all others, is the way she is an Aunty. She adores my children and cares for them as much as any parent. She reads to them, cuddles them, brings them to school, buys them sparkly clothes, paints their nails, swims with them, plays games with them and does jigsaws with them. When she is not there, she writes them little letters and sends them cupcake postcards. She never forgets a birthday and each gift is bought with much thought and insight. In short, she is the world's best Aunty and my kids absolutley adore her.

I am very thankful for my parents for giving me a sibling. I can imagine our fights and constant bickering were tiring most of time. I am sure we drove our parents crazy. However forty odd years later, I want to thank them for giving me her, and for hanging in there, when the going got rough.

I hope our parents find joy in our relationship, I know I would be proud if my girls enjoyed each other, the way we do. Unlikely as that may seem now, I am given hope, knowing what our growing pains and antagonist behaviours were like? Yes I am sure they will learn to appreciate each other, even if I have to wait another fifteen years.

So this post is tribute to the worlds greatest Aunty, we love you and miss you! Come visit soon, wherever we are!