I had lunch today with my brother and sister. It’s kind of a rare occasion really. There was no special reason….no birthday or funeral. Just to visit. And I think it’s so easy to take for granted how wonderful it is to be able to talk and laugh and visit with someone who’s seen you in your skivvies while you had the chicken pox and still picked your nose. And who knows that you’re not nearly as smart or funny or responsible as people think you are. And who shared a room, the flu, a boyfriend, a few knock-down drag-out fights and a car with you. And who has seen you at your worst and best moments. And somehow still loves you more than almost anyone in the world. It’s a immutable bond that we share. An inside track. A ‘knowing’ that is intimate and forgiving and forever.
We may seldom verbalize it but there’s a sense that no matter what happens in our own personal private lives, things with the three of us will never change. My sister will make the calls, my brother will do the dishes, and I will find something funny to laugh about. He will call me ‘sister’. I will call him ‘brother’. Gina will call us both and tell us what time to be at lunch. And where.
I find it ever comforting to know that these two people are ‘mine’. They will take my calls. And listen to my new ‘obsessions’ and endure my rantings and love on my children…..and hold my hand when life goes dark. They will not leave. No matter what. And for that I am thankful. Even the closest of friends can hardly compare to that kind of loyalty. It makes me grateful that my children have each other. And reminds me how important ‘family’ really is in life.
They know our history. Our deepest fears. Our failures. Every vulnerability. And our greatest joys. They make us who we are. And keep us safe. And loved. Here’s to friendships that have depth and staying power. Thanks be to God for His unspeakable gifts.
P.S. Brother: Sorry that I ripped your Farrah Fawcett poster in 1977. I did it with volition and malice. In retrospect, I coveted her hair and had to make room for Shawn Cassidy.
Sis, I’m finally able to say I forgive you for stealing my middle school boyfriend. In retrospect, I realize you were sweet and always home when he called. And let’s face it, you were very well developed and I had a mullet.
I love you both dearly. And I’m practicing up for the next installment of Rock Band.
what a great post! I love my sisters wish I had a brother!
I’ve got two brothers, one who lives way too far away and I always miss him. Loved your post. Warmly, Cathy
Oh Edie you made me cry yet again with one of your posts. I should be used to it by now.
I always wanted this kind of brother(s) and/or sister(s). In reality – I can’t relate, I was given a little brother who dealt drugs from his bedroom, tried to kill my mother and I and stole more from me than I’ll ever be able to get back. To say we didn’t get along would be the understatement of the millennium. *Sigh* I try to thank God for my other blessings.
Edie,
I also have one brother and one sister. I usually call my sister “sister” and my brother “brother”. Most people act like I am crazy when I do this. Funny to hear someone else do it too. I am the oldest, and would not change my sis or brother for all the money in the world. Your post was wonderful and really captured how blessed I feel to have them in my life. Thanks!
What a great post. My brothers know things about me my parents will never know (and vice-versa).
Family is the best!!! My brother and sister are quite a bit younger than me, but we are still VERY close. I’m so thankful for them. By the way- you look awesome. If that pic was taken recently I would say the toner damage isn’t noticable at all! (That made me laugh like I haven’t laughed in a long time!!!)
You are so blessed to have siblings like that! Wow! I am an only child…I love to read post like this!
-sandy toe
How endearing that you three share such a deep bond, not only as siblings but friends.
lol- gasp. this post made me cry… then laugh. I am so grateful for my sister- and for better or worse, my girls each have 3 of ’em. 🙂
What a sweet post! It sounds like you have a grat brother and sister!
Beautiful!
As an only child I miss this type of unconditional relationship. So grateful my girls have each other, and I remind them they are one anothers only “forever friends”, and to cherish that relationship.
What can I say, other than, I always can count on a “good cry” when I log on to your blog. I wasn’t expecting this one though. Being your sister is one of the most rewarding things in my life. Thank you for always loving me, even when I stole your boyfriend. SORRY!! I don’t know that I have ever told you that. Well, for Brother, he is the greatest. We are all blessed to have each other. Love you bunches!!
Sweet post about your siblings. By the way do you have a pic of that mullet?
making us laugh again… and well nearly cry!
SO funny… SO true! the bond that's there… you described it so well!
my word… my sister & i were TERRIBLE to each other growing up… i NOW understand why but more importantly… we now have a relationship like no other! we GET each other!
BIG xo
do you think your mom will adopt me?
hi edie – great to visit you!
there is nothing like sisters (i don’t have a bro) but i know what you mean!
Wonderful post, talk to my two sisters at least 4 times a day… we live thousands of mile apart … just a random thought we pick up the phone… the oldest is our brother who loves his sisters! Met my hubby through my brother!!! Thats the best set up date ever!!
my hubby is the youngest of 5 and they adore him too, we are so blessed to have four children, we both wanted them to feel that bond.
LuLu
What a great post! So sweet and funny all at the same time! You and your seestor look alot alike, well you know, besides the hair color! Beautiful girls and a good lookin bro! xo Keli
What a beautiful post Edie…gave me goosebumps. I’m an only child so it makes me a little sad and a bit jealous. But that’s OK…I have some amazing girlfriends that I imagine a sister would be like. 🙂 xoxox Ang