Siblings

Brothers and Sisters

As a kid, I always wanted to have brothers and sisters. An only child for 7 years, I was always envious of my friends and family, who had siblings close to their own age. I remember clearly one time at school, we were asked to draw a picture of our family. Not content with “reality” (pshaw, what’s that), I drew a picture of my father, my mom, myself, and 5 other siblings, 2 brothers and 3 sisters. I suppose even at this early age, TV already greatly influenced me. But, back then, I wasn’t consciously thinking about Brady Bunch, rather I had some very good reasons to want 5 others. However, after racking my brain for a few minutes, I can’t remember them. But I can personally assure you, they were very good reasons.

My mom is very fond of telling this story about when her sister had another baby. I asked my mom if she would mind giving us her baby. When my mom asked me what about my aunt, won’t she miss the baby, I had replied that she could always have another one. I guess it never occurred to me that my own mom could also have one. I suppose I figured I was such a perfect child, that my mom could no longer bear children, or something. I don’t know, I was a kid then. Who knows what I was thinking about? I looked at everyone, and they all had one sibling. Every Sunday, when I played with my cousins, they all were paired up, except me. I was like the “what’s wrong with this picture” Sesame Street bit. And when my mom was finally pregnant, I couldn’t wait to tell everyone. I told my teacher, my friends, the principal, anyone willing to listen to a 7 year old kid. When my mom came to pick me up that afternoon, boy she was surprised when all these strangers started to congratulate her. I’m still baffled how she knew it was I who blabbed. I’m like a roach motel… secrets check in, but they don’t check out.

Unlike the typical sibling jealousy, I welcomed my sister. I think my mom was worried whether I would be jealous of sharing my parents’ love with another person, like you see in all those sitcoms. But I didn’t have the problem. In fact, I loved to always hold her. Granted, I dropped her a couple times, but then who doesn’t do that once in a while? I mean, they’re slippery, like eels. As we grew up, we were always pretty close. Sure, I teased her a lot, but that’s for her own good. I didn’t want a sissy sister, who can’t do anything for herself. I taught her how to punch, how to throw, how to protect herself. I also showed her what good movies are, like “Terminator 2” and “Spaceballs”, and to stay away from terrible movies, like “Notting Hill” or “Wedding Planner”. I also taught her history, like “Ice Ice Baby” stole Queen’s riff from “Under Pressure”. And that “Living on a Prayer” from Stellar Kart was actually a remake of a Bon Jovi song. I forced her to watch and later appreciate such great shows such as “Growing Pains” and “Night Court” and that critically-acclaimed yet under-appreciated “Firefly” (the best TV show evar!). You know, important things she needs to know to make it through this life.

Though I don’t say it much, I love my sister. Whenever I need a “female and hip” viewpoint, she’s always someone I can confide in. Yes my mother is female, but I said hip, as in someone who’s always known that Germany was one country. Though she’s away in college, we always find ways to keep in touch with one another, whether it’s through chat or trading emails. And though sometimes we get on each other’s nerves, we know it’s temporary and it will pass. After all, we’re stuck with each other no matter what. Perhaps because of that sort of bond, we’re able to open up with one another. No matter what we do or say to each other, we’re not going to stop caring for each other. There’s a reason that I’m being so sappy right now. No, it’s not her birthday or anything, but it does lead me to my next point. Weddings! (Duh!)