By Guest Author Kailey Balconi
Photo from: http://www.flickr.com/photos/neetsandre/2283889921/sizes/n/
I have one sibling, a sister, who is two years older than myself. While I didn’t grow up with a brother, I always wanted a brother. Despite not having a brother, as I grow older, I am beginning to realize how important my sibling is in my life ( yes, mom I guess you are right!) no matter what their gender is.
I think it’s important to have someone who is relatively similar in age who understands what is happening in your life. While friends are sometimes the siblings we never actually had, siblings are really important especially for a teenager and young adult in family situations. It’s hard to explain, but sometimes they just get exactly what is going on. I do appreciate my older sister, she has given me a lot of good advice over the years. I suppose her biggest downfall is she is overly bossy (sorry, Katelyn but it’s true!) but that’s okay, she is the oldest–that’s her job.
I guess I always wanted a brother because I felt, as silly as it was, that it made the perfect family unit and the fact that I went to an all girl high-school for four years probably had something to do with it. I always thought, “if I had a older brother they would look out for me” etc. As I made friendships in high school I met people through different schools and always felt that sometimes guys were way easier to deal with. Girls are really competitive and it is intimidating!
Despite not growing up with a brother, I think my experience was still as every bit fulfilling as it could have been. My sister and I have shared many experiences together, she has stood up for me, teased me, beat me up, everything a typical brother would do. Now, she still does some of those things but we have approached a time in our relationship and sisterhood where we can overcome our differences, and even if we don’t talk for a while we pick up exactly where we left off. As I have been away at school I have developed friendships with guys who have also done this as well. It’s helpful to have friends who are honest, listen to you, and also tell you when to shut it especially when your siblings aren’t right there.
Overall I feel very fortunate to have someone I know who I can count on. After all, blood is thicker than water.
By Guest Author Kailey Balconi
