They say the middle child misses out on the most things in life. For example, the older sibling goes off to college and it’s a completely new experience for the parents to undergo. It’s a rollercoaster of new emotions. Then once you, the middle child, leave for school it’s nothing new. It’s already happened. And, then, of course, the last child leaves for college and it’s emotional because they’re the last one to go. You’re just kind of stuck in the middle. You feel non-existent. You don’t experience things first and you never end things either. But, being the middle child, I don’t really feel this way. In fact, I don’t feel this way at all. And here’s why.

I look at being the middle child of my mother having three children in a much different way than most would. I don’t feel invisible in any way because my older sister and my younger brother are my best friends. I’ve always had them to lean on. Honestly, I’m in the best spot a sibling could be placed in. I have an older sister who I learn life lessons from, who passes down her wisdom to me and teaches me every day how to thrive in life. She’s a shoulder to cry on when I need it. She’s someone I can look at in the midst of a struggle and remind myself where hard work will get me. Because in all honesty, my older sister is the most hard-working person I know. She teaches me never to give up. And I look up to that.

Not only do I have the blessing of an older sister, but I have the gift of a little brother. I get a chance to be someone he can look up to. He gives me the motivation and determination I need to make good decisions in my life. I want to be a good role-model for him. Don’t get me wrong, I learn as much from him as he probably learns from me. And I also get a front row seat to watch him grow as an individual. I get to see him experience things I’ve gone through and handle them with such grace. Overall, I get to have someone in my life who I can be so proud of. And I know this feeling will never go away.

So, yeah, maybe being the middle child sucks from time to time for most people. But, I wouldn’t trade it for anything. I have siblings who I learn from, I joke around with and I am beyond close with. It’s cheesy to explain but there’s no other way to put it. They both bring out the better sides of me. And if you guys are reading this, I love you.