If you had asked me when we were younger if I would ever be upset if my older sister lived far away from me, I probably would have told you no. My sister and I fought. And fought. And, oh yeah, fought some more. My parents worried that we would never be friends with each other because we fought so often.
Then, something changed. My senior year of high school, she went off to college and even though she was only 2.5 hours away, I realized that I was missing my built-in best friend and the ally I could count on when it really mattered.
Two short years later, I moved up to the same school she was at. The distance had worked miracles on our friendship. When I was anxious about having shoulder surgery, she was the one I ran to. She was the person who I had pizza nights with and who binge-watched Friends with me. She was the one who I joined to craft or bake or have a heart-to-heart. She was my best friend.
Then, she decided to move from California to Arkansas. And everything changed yet again. But, there are some things about being long distance sisters that are true across the board.
1. You know she'll make time for you when she's in town.
Whether she wants to or not, chances are that you'll be staying under the same roof while she's visiting. And if you're really nice, you'll bring along her best friend as a surprise.
2. Skype conversations are extra special.
Text conversations happen pretty much 24-7, phone conversations are reserved for important things or when there is simply too much to catch up on. Skype is for the extra special moments where you might just burst if you don't get to see her face. Added bonus, when you three-way Skype with your mutual best friend who is just one of the siblings by this point.
3. Things that were special are EXTRA special when shared with her.
A trip to Disneyland? Awesome! A trip to Disneyland with my sister who I haven't seen in 5 months? Ummm, excuse me while I do a happy dance, twist my hip, and squeal incessantly until all my friends are tired of hearing about how I get to see her! It's just SO exciting!
4. Random text conversations are a regular thing.
And you don't let several states stop you from the opportunity to get in a good insult. (BTW: This definitely happened after I texted her like four times trying to get her attention so I could tell her that joke).
5. You realize your moral support stretches across several state lines.
Whether it's a big test, a job interview or someone to reassure you when you do something stupid in front of your crush, you know that she is still your sister and even though she might make fun of you for making an idiot of yourself in front of the cute guy, she always has your back.
6. Reunions are even more exciting.
You have to spend so much time exclaiming over new haircuts, cute nail polish and freaking out about all of the things that you have to catch up on. It feels like your heart will explode with happiness because you are finally reunited with the person who was literally there for everything.
7. Goodbyes are that much harder.
When you don't know how much time will pass before you get to see your lifelong bestie (or even when you DO know), it's really hard to say goodbye. As much as modern technology makes it easy for us to stay in touch, nothing will beat a low key night in our pajamas watching Friends, eating too much pizza and having heart-to-hearts about our dreams.
So, for those of you who are lucky enough to have your sister nearby, cherish it. Even though time zones and state lines won't ever break your bond, it changes the dynamic of the relationship and that is one of the hardest things ever. For those of you who have long distance siblings, give them a call tonight. Remind them how much you love them.
