When I was ten years old, my little sister was born, and my life was changed. Having four brothers already, I was thrilled to have another girl around, but I had no way of knowing then how much she would teach me. She is almost ten now, and I have watched her grow into the person she is becoming from the day she was born.
Ten years is a big gap between siblings. We didn't experience many of the things other sisters go through, such as fighting over clothes, going to the same school, and simply growing up together. To me, the only thing better than growing up with someone, and going through the same things around the same time, is watching someone grow up. This is exactly what I am getting to do with my sister. I get to see her undergo all the phases of life that I have already gone through and give her advice and be proud of her.
Being a much older sibling is kind of like being a parent but only the fun parts. It is an interesting relationship because she is a baby sister and best friend wrapped into one. I get to take her places and buy her things. I introduce her to new movies and music (new to her at least). We play games and bond over the fact that we are related to the same crazy people. I get to witness her learn, accomplish things and experience life. I teach her things and watch her make her own path.
Of everything I have taught my sister, she has taught me double. She taught me how to take care of others, the capacity of love you can have for a person, and, not to mention, how to hold a baby and change a diaper. My sister and I could not be more different, so I have learned how close you can be with someone who is very unlike you. Having a younger sibling has also given me perspective on what my parents went through raising me. It gives me more of an appreciation for them. One of the most important lessons my sister teaches me is to see the world through a nine-year-old's eyes. Being around her helps me keep that childish wonder that I believe most people lose too easily. She reminds me not to take life or myself too seriously.
Don't get me wrong, my sister is not a perfect angel. She is bullheaded, dramatic, and, at times, bratty. We can work each other's nerves like no other and have had our fair share of fights. However, watching her grow has been one of the greatest and most interesting experiences of my life, and the best part is, it never stops.
