I look back at what my world used to look like 3 years ago, and I realize how amazing that time was. I had my older sister with me. We were all living in the same house; I went to high school like any other normal teenager; I had a job; I practiced my violin and piano like a dutiful "prodigy" (Just kidding on that part. I am no prodigy). But I did practice dutifully. I had music lessons, I had school, I had my recitals which I performed at, I watched Hallmark movies on the weekend, I hung out with friends on Friday nights, went out with friends after church on Sunday nights, and all was good. Sure there was the occasional drama that always happens in high school, but my life was solidly, simplistically perfect.
Fast forward to 3 years later and I am taking 19 college credits, have 2 jobs, still have piano lessons, never hang out with friends because of my school load, my sister is gone away at college, and my life is no longer simplistically perfect.
There was a time where I could not wait to grow up. 13 to get my ears pierced and 15 to start driving. The time my sister got her license, freedom abounded. I could not wait till I was old enough to go shopping on my own, or drive when and where I wanted. I looked forward to not matching my siblings when we finally outgrew sizes that allowed for 4 sisters to all have the same dress in 4 different sizes. I looked forward to having my own room when my sister went to college.
And then it happened.
I woke up one day, and suddenly I was an adult. My sister had left. I had my own room. I drove myself places. I shopped on my own. I spent my own money. I went to school alone. I dealt with problems with grades and teachers on my own and I suddenly was all grown up.
I never realized how much I would miss my sister and the camaraderie we had when she lived at home. I never realized how much I liked whispering at night in bed as we fell asleep. I never realized how much I liked being crowded and sharing a room and arguing about clothes and books being everywhere. I did not know I would miss having her with her annoying little habits around all the time.
The simplicity of childhood went away. Simplicity was exchanged for harried schedules, to-do lists, little time, and much change.
Now that I am back with my sister for a week, I enjoy knowing that while I do my homework at home and she goes to school, she will come back home, and I will slip my shoes on, and we will go shopping. Grab some coffee, because adults can do that. We can go to dinner. And we can do that too. Because we pay the bill, the tip, and for the car. We can go and watch a movie if we wanted to because we both can drive and we are all grown up.
The times have changed. We might not live together anymore, but the times we spend together are that much sweeter. Times might have changed, and our responsibilities greater than ever, but we shall always be sisters. Sisters who whisper and giggle in bed. Sisters who eat together. Sisters who encourage, tease, cry, and be together always. Perhaps not physically but always together in spirit..
Things might not be so simple anymore, but the simplicity we do get, I treasure forever.
Enjoy your Thanksgiving week with the ones you love! Remember that with ever changing times, it is important to treasure the time and memories you have together.
Happy Thanksgiving Week.
<3,
Sarah
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