If you know anything about me, you know that my baby sisters are my world, universe and everything in between. There is nothing in this world that I love and care about more. My sisters have taught me what love is. The love I have for them is something I can’t even begin to describe, but it makes me want to be a better person. There are 13-years between Amelia and myself, while there are 12-between Laurel and me. Their father bounced around a lot in their early years, and when he was out, I helped Mom.
Once Mom and he finally called it quits, he stayed preoccupied with anything but his responsibilities for a while, until he met his wife. Anyway, at times, I was more than their sister. And to be frank, I didn’t like it; what teenager would? Albeit, my mother needed me.
Despite the then-bitterness, dirty diapers, and early mornings, Amelia and Laurel are the reason I am the person I am. I learned what I did and didn’t want from life by keeping an eye on my sisters while they played in the backyard and Mom cooked dinner. I learned that having a child is so much more than making sure each child gets the same number of Christmas presents or keeping up with the dentist’s appointment among everything else going on. When you have a child, your life becomes ensuring their well-being, and absolutely nothing else (at least, it shouldn’t).
To speak candidly, I don’t want that responsibility, not now or quite possibly ever. Growing up, there wasn’t a day that went by when Mom didn’t push me to chase my dreams and see the world. Through all of the bumps life has thrown me, and bridges I have barely crossed, I force myself on because there isn’t a choice. It’s my job to show my sisters how vital an education is. I have my own apartment, car, and now a degree. More than anything, I want my sisters to live life for themselves before settling down or getting stuck.
I want them to listen to Mom, like I did, and chase their dreams. Amelia has an amazing voice, loves to read, write and dance. I pray she doesn’t let her voice go unheard because she could go so far. Laurel asked for a monkey and metal-detector as her birthday gift last year (she got the latter.) While Milly can be found with a book, Laurel can be found playing with animals or outside in her garden. She enjoys math and science and wants to become a veterinarian. She is only 10, but I won’t be surprised if my pets are getting free check-ups one day. I pray my sisters never stop doing what makes their souls shine.
Without intending to, my baby sisters have shown me what I want from life, remind me to never stop playing in the dirt or painting, and to laugh every day. I want to become someone they are proud of and look up to. I can’t wait to walk across the stage so that my sister’s know what an important experience and milestone receiving a college education is.
