My mom was right...

It's funny how often mothers are right. Not about everything, but the things that matter. My mom always told my sisters and I we would appreciate each other someday. In the aftermath of a childhood brawl (because girls in my family fight with fists and feet, and there ain't nothin' dainty about it) she would chime in, "Just wait, one day you'll actually like each other. Friends come and go, but you'll always have your sisters."

Of course, I didn't believe her. How could I? Haley (my older sister) had just left an enormous red welt on my back perfectly matching the size and shape of her opened hand. I probably deserved it for being annoying as only a middle child can be. In retaliation, I abused Corrie- the smallest and the youngest. Not necessarily fair in the strictest sense of the word, but in the land of siblings, totally acceptable. I would pay for it later- with three sisters, there is always a man out. Somehow Haley and Corrie's ages equaled out to mine... still not quite sure how that figures, but I am mostly over it. And thus when the next scuffle took place, it was two against one. Not great odds.

All this talk of fighting is not to say we loathed each other. In fact I think we had pretty good relationships for the most part, it was just normal growing up stuff. We stuck together and stood up for each other. We could play peacefully together, and build forts without too much trouble. It hasn't been until recently however, that I have counted my sisters as friends.

Corrie and I hang out now. She comes to my new pad in this new city of mine, and we just chill. A couple nights ago we walked the streets of downtown, me pointing out all the parts of the city that thrilled me, Corrie hoping the Coldstone Ice cream shop was still open. Sharing such a simple event with her reminded me of how fortunate I am to have her, my little sister whose occasional attitude is only a front to protect the most tender of hearts. She's funny and charming, beautiful but WAY to hard on herself. And she's my little sister. Always has been, always will be. I hope wonderful things for her, and know she will find a happiness uniquely her own. Heck, even if she wasn't my sister I'd still be friends with her. The same goes for my older sister Haley. I wish she lived closer, as Los Angeles is not exactly a day trip from upstate New York. But the times we have together, limited as they may be, are great. Haley the blazer of trails, the person who never had a thought her mouth couldn't use, and a woman with the courage to say after earning her masters in journalism (and winning THE award from THE school for journalism) "I think I would rather be a doctor." That takes serious guts. I am in pertpetual awe of her.

How did I get so lucky to have these incredible people in my life. I certainly have done nothing to deserve it. I suppose all I can do is be grateful for it. And from my deepest core, I am. My heart aches for love of these people, their joy is my joy, and their pain my own. For anyone who would hurt them, I say, watch yourself. Karma has a funny way of working, and it might just come in the form of death stares from a tall redhead with one heck of a right hook (just ask Corrie.. hehe).

So if you have sisters, or brothers for that matter, I hope you share not only parents, but friendship. And if you don't, just remember, there are no other people on the planet who can understand what it is like growing up in your family quite like your siblings.