The first two times I was
pregnant, we decided not to find out the gender until delivery. My first baby was
almost two weeks late and it felt like we had to wait forever to finally hear, “It’s a girl!” The
second time the waiting didn’t really matter. I was certain all along in my mama heart
that it was another girl. The doctor only confirmed what I was already knew.
The third time my due
date landed two weeks before my oldest would start kindergarten. Faced with
juggling that new schedule, a two year old, and a newborn, I needed to be as
prepared as possible, so I decided I wanted to know the gender as soon as
possible. In the weeks before the ultrasound, my cravings and nausea were
different from the first two and I convinced myself that our third (and last)
child was most certainly a boy. I was wrong. The ultrasound technician was confident we
would be welcoming another daughter.
I was, admittedly, a bit
disappointed by the realization that I would never have a son. However, it didn’t take long for the news to
spread and I was bombarded with people gushing about the bond shared between
sisters. “I have
a sister(s) and we are best friends!” they would tell me. “How wonderful that you will
have three daughters! You will be well taken care of when you’re older and they will have
such a wonderful bond!” With only one brother myself,
I didn’t fully
understand this “sisterly bond” people spoke of, but I
pictured them chatting about fashion and boys. I envisioned them sharing
clothes and shoes. I thought, perhaps, someday they may even go out on a few
double dates.
Well, those three sisters
are now 12, 10, and 7 years old and they could not be more different. The
oldest is super smart, sporty, stoic, and driven. The middle one is a ball of
energy, chatter, and silliness. The youngest is a little princess who wears her
heart on her sleeve.
Oftentimes, the
differences make these sisters mix about as well as oil and water. They fight.
They bicker. They intentionally annoy one another and point out every flaw they
see in the other. The bond people told me would be so deep and strong is buried
under yelling, arguing, and tears.
But, it’s there.
Occasionally, I catch a
glimpse of it.
I see it when they set up
a pretend salon and paint each other’s nails. I see it when they ask if they can all have a
sleepover together in someone’s room. I see it when they help each other with
homework or learning to ride a bike. I see it when one of them is sick and the others are concerned.
It’s there when they cheer for
each other at a soccer game or a piano recital. It’s there when they bake
cookies together. It’s there when they stick up for one another and do
their best to protect the other. It’s there when they work together to achieve a greater goal.
They quarrel just like
any siblings do, but the sisterly bond is there and I see it - even when they
don’t.
I can’t say for sure that they will
grow up to be the best of friends. I can say, however, that I truly believe
they will grow up to love and support one another always. I see them clash
frequently, but I also see them come together and, when they do, they are a
force to be reckoned with. Their differences are great, but their bond as
sisters and love for one another is even greater.
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This post was part of the One Word Blog Linkup hosted by, Janine of Confessions of a Mommyholic, Marica of Blogitudes, and me! This week, the word prompt choices were Together and Small. If you would like to join the linkup you can find more information HERE, sign up for weekly emails HERE, and/or join our Facebook group HERE. Every Friday, two prompts are emailed. Choose one and write a post using that word as inspiration. Linkup up any time between 6:00am EST on Wednesday-9:00pm EST on Thursdays on any of the host sites.
