This past week was a big week for my family. My middle sister, Sofie, hit her milestone of attending her high school prom and graduating. Through the excitement and stress of it all, my family was there for her. This past week made me realize how important growing up with sisters is to me, since not only do my sisters serve as a support system, but they also serve as best friends.
The number three has always been a relevant number in my life. I was three weeks shy of three years old when my sister Sofie was born. Three years later, my little sister Abby was born. Three girls that my parents were ready to raise as sisters and friends. The balance of three girls has been a precious gift that I would not change for the world.
As many of us did when we were younger, my sisters and I spent hours playing with each other. From Barbies to Polly Pockets, there was always some sort of toy that was set up in the family room or in the basement for days until we finally got bored of it and decided to clean it up. Playing with my sisters is such a fond memory of my childhood. Being the oldest also allowed me to determine that Sofie would always have to play as the Ken doll, which is something that we just laugh about now. Although these memories of playing with my sisters is something that is far off in the distance, I still cherish those moments that bonded us together as kids.
Those years of playing together as kids ended far too soon. Growing older, we got busier and time with my sisters began to diminish. Between sports, dance, and any other activity we were involved in, it seemed as though we were always moving around. At that point, the moments that I spent bonding with my sisters became more important. We were growing older, moods were shifting, and life started happening quickly.
Last summer, I moved to California for two months to complete a summer internship. During my time away, I missed my sister's eighth grade dinner dance and graduation. At that point, missing those events saddened me as I realized how important it would have been for me to be there. My sisters are a huge part of my life, and being apart from them for that time made me realize that we will always be involved in each other's lives.
From shopping trips to vacations, my sisters and I do it all together. One could argue that our parents made us hang out together when we were younger, but I don't think I would have it any other way. All of my important life experiences were and are shared with my parents and my sisters. We were always there for each other, and we always will be there for each other. Growing up with sisters has made me who I am today, and I would never change that.
