Growing up, originally I was three of four girls. My mom and my dad gave us all “A” names, so I answered to all names- Ashleigh, Amanda, Aimee…Allison. When my mom remarried her husband came with two boys, making me three of six. When my dad remarried, they had another girl and gave her an “A” name, which was Alexandra. Ultimately making me the third eldest of seven kids. Coincidentally, all seven of us ended up being two years apart, and we currently range from 11 years old to 23 years old. With this many siblings there is always stories to be told and adventures to be had together, and being in the middle made it all the more merrier.
During childhood it was wonderful always having someone to play with. Imagination was never lacking and playing pretend was always eccentric. We usually found ourselves outside building forts or digging up clay and baking things we molded in the sun. When it came to games they were always high energy, even board games. During summer vacation we were never bored and always hoped for an endless summer. Most clothes were hand-me-downs, but I loved getting clothes that my older sisters wore and I was fortunate enough to not be at the end of the hand-me-downs like my younger sisters. When I felt like being a bit more kid-ish I found myself playing with my younger brothers and sisters, and when I wanted to act older I would follow my older sisters around. I had and have the perfect situation.
My two older sisters always showed me the newest styles and the hippest music, now it is pretty backwards and I look to my younger brothers and sisters for the new music and style advice, even technology advice. To this day I still ask my older sisters how to go about things and what to do in certain situations. They went through life experiences that I would go through not soon after, but it always seemed a little less scary since I knew my sisters could do it. I am fortunate to be able to ask them for advice, and take advantage of it. With them ahead of me, high school and college didn’t seem so scary and when I ran into questions- which was a lot- they were always there. I remember trying to figure out my FAFSA and asking them for most of the questions, and when it came to building my resume I had an example that made sense and someone to proofread. When the going gets rough, I will always have them and I hope to be that for my younger sisters and brothers.
When you’re a middle child, you always get away with more. You could almost get away with murder, but you’d never make it with all your siblings watching. Your actions are a bit more unseen, and since you’re younger siblings are constantly being watched you’re not a major concern. In my experience, I’d like to think my parents became more laid back with certain things after my older sisters went through them, and I hope the same will happen with my younger siblings. My placement amongst my many brothers and sisters was and is very lucky, and I love it. I am definitely blessed with a big family and love each of my sisters and brothers who are each such wonderful individuals full of light, laughter and such unique individuality. They have helped shape me into a better person that I could ever hope to be. My siblings are my best friends forever, by blood and by choice.
