My Siblings

The dawning of a new year is cause for reflection upon years past. My life is open before me now like a book; its chapters are as diverse as the characters contained inside. What I find most interesting is how I have come to be what I am. Each chapter represents people, actions, choices, wins, and losses. In order to get through each chapter, the attributes I needed were obtained from my own siblings.

From James, I received laughter. No matter what the situation, James could find humor; he would always bring a smile to my face. His uplifting spirit is still aspiring to me in all my day to day actions This laughter has carried me through many hard situations.. When I need a smile, James will give me one.

Sue gave me inspiration. Many occasions have presented themselves to try my faith, but Sue's inspiration would be there to show me that my faith is strong enough to carry me through many tough situations. We have prayed together many times, and each time made me stronger. The faith we share and understand could never be duplicated.

Ann's contribution to my book was gratitude. Her life has been so rough, as she raised her boys. I have seen her do without so many times; as she hoped for a better way to live. The hard times she went through has opened my eyes, and made me grateful for all I have in my life.

From Roger, I received nurturing, my first feeling of nurturing was for Roger. My instincts were to take care of him as a small child. I always felt that he needed more love and care than most; and I felt that it was my place to give it to him. I somehow still see him as a small boy needing a hug.

Darlene gave me beauty. As I think of her, a phrase from a poem comes to mind which fits her perfectly: "she walks in beauty like the night". This phrase has always been synonymous with Darlene. She has a classic beauty that all recognize. Even though I have never seen the connection, it has always flattered me that people would say we look alike.

From Sandy, I received sensitivity. The emotions are real and sincere with Sandy. When she hears of anyone having heartache, she actually feels the pain. Sandy's love and sincerity has blessed me more than once in my life. A single harsh word to Sandy can break her heart; but she can understand any problem from loved ones.

Strength was my gift from Danny. Even though he is younger, he was my very first real hero. As he went off to the marines, my mind's eye made him ten feet tall, and indestructible. I held on to that strength, because I really needed it when my own son went off to war. In my own weakness, I reached for strength, and again, Danny was there.

From Missy, I received intelligence. Of all the people in my life, Missy is the most intellectual person I know. When I am around Missy, I have the most overwhelming need to impress her with my own cleverness. I always fall short, but I will keep trying.

All these qualities have helped me fill my book of life. Each chapter has needed these attributes; without them, I would have only empty pages. It is ironic, that these attributes actually spell "siblings". Strength, intelligence, beauty, laughter, inspiration, nurturing, and gratitude, are all my siblings. When I come to the last page, and it is time to close the book, I hope all my siblings are with me. When the book is put away, I hope that I have given my siblings some type of memory that they can hold on to with enough sadness to miss me, but enough happiness to keep their tears at bay.