All throughout my childhood I wished that I had a little sibling. It seemed like everyone around me had one. They had a playmate, a person to dress up, and a best friend. I was so jealous. My siblings are all at least eight years older than me, so I never really had someone my own age in the house. Growing up with older siblings had its advantages, but it left me with this feeling that I was missing out on something that my friends all had.
As I got older, the idea of having a little sibling wasn't as big of a deal for me anymore. I didn't have little siblings, but it was okay. Then, my cousin had a baby. I was nine at the time and I was ecstatic. I loved him so much, even though he sort of scared me. I had never really interacted with babies before, so I didn't know what I had been asking for when I said I wanted a little brother or sister. But, he was so cute and small and I just wanted to spend time with him and play with him.
For the first time in my life, I felt like a big sibling. I had this little human being that I loved and wanted to care for. I was excited to get to watch him grow and get to help make him a better person. I was so happy and proud and ecstatic and I didn't know what to do with myself. I finally had someone that was like a little sibling. With every milestone that he would reach, I would get so happy because as he started to babble, it meant soon I'd be able to talk to him. When his first sister was born, I was over the moon. It was like I could have this real life baby doll that I could play dress up with. When his baby sister was born, it was the same feelings all over again.
As these kids grew up, I was so happy to be a part of their lives. We have always had this special relationship. I was their Annie, and everyone knew it. When they would see my parents, they would immediately ask where I was. We would run around my yard and play and laugh and I would take hundreds of pictures with them because they were just so cute and I wanted everyone to see what I got to saw. They were my best friends and I was just so happy to have them. I got to put makeup on the little girls and it was like I had dreamed it would be. They loved me and I loved them.
Today, the kids are still such a huge part of my life. Whenever I come home from college, seeing them run across my front yard to give me a hug is one of the best feelings in the world. There's something so special about having these little people look up to you and think so much of you. They inspire me everyday to be the person that they think I am. They have done more for me than I think they'll ever know. Just being around them for a few minutes and hearing their little voices and giggles warms my heart.
Though I never got the little siblings that I wanted growing up, the relationship I have with my little cousins is more valuable to me than I could have ever imagined. They are my honorary little siblings and I am so thankful for the role they play in my life. Sometimes things don't work out the way you wanted them to, but that often leads to something even more wonderful than you could ever expect. Things have a funny way of working out, and even though I had to wait a few years, I got the best unofficial little siblings anyone could ask for.
