My little sister isn't so little anymore. She's six years younger than me, and two inches taller. It seems my entire family has gotten the height they had expected, and I somehow fell short, literally. At 12-years-old there are so many things being thrown at you from all different corners and angles. School, sports, music ensembles and, of course, a social life to worry about. When is there time to sleep in this crazy busy life? Add homework and family functions into the mix and you've got a big fat mess of responsibilities. My constant fear is that she's too young for all of this. Too fragile. I am often proven wrong. She has a schedule, and she sticks to it. Something I find myself in envy of frequently.
She's talented. Being both naturally athletic and musically gifted. I can't help but be impressed. At her age I had similar worries, and similar interests. School was always a priority, as well as my violin and softball. All things she has come to accept, and dare I say pass me up in; she's Kaitlyn 2.0.
This doesn't surprise me. She grew up, quickly adapted to the challenges that faced her and excelled. I've come to notice a way about her. I see myself much more in her that I have ever before. She is focused, calm and ambitious. These are things I had always hoped she'd become, and it's a beautiful thing to see happen.
On the day she was born there were two reactions to her arrival. We did not know whether she'd be a girl or a boy. My brothers of course wanted another boy, but I'd known from the very beginning God wouldn't allow it. He knew I needed a sister. Someone to braid my hair and listen to music with me. I'd asked and asked for six years, and finally He had provided. Someone to call best friend. There is no doubt in my mind that she has become this and much more. A life companion, a soul mate. Not in the way you'd expect, but the way everyone always wants. She is my other half. The part of me that had always been missing.
There was a time, when I was her age, that I really disliked her. I regret this now. I missed all those years of watching her grow, and shape into the wonderful person she is, because I couldn't let my own bitterness of my teenage years go. I hope that this is something she can get past. I hope she won't face the challenges and obstacles I'd pushed my way into; that she'd be smarter than I was, more clever and decisive. My hopes for her are higher than my hopes for myself some days. I see in her the opportunities I was too ignorant to reach for. My hope is that with a little help and guidance, she will become Kaitlyn 2.0 and even more.
