What individual has had a major impact on my life?

For ongoing impact on my life, my sisters, who are twins, probably win the prize. I was three years and two weeks old when they were born. Life has never been the same since. I was the apple of my parents’ eyes before they arrived. How did I cope with losing center stage of their attention? I became the “little Mom” fetching and helping in any way possible. I developed a special love of holding babies, always sitting on the floor, with supervision, of course. I basked in the reflected glow, and enjoyed their miniature sizes. Having lots of aunts and uncles having children meant that there was always a baby to hold at any reunion.

Back to the sisters. Their arrival gave me a new identity, the big sister. I still own it. I’m afraid and proud that it colors all of my relationships. I like to talk, to express my opinions, and to direct or advise other people. I also avoid conflict and am comfort-seeking. If I had been an only child, I would not have the thick skin and tolerance of teasing that developed in a family of more than one child. I have companions who share with me the experiences of knowing our parents, childhoods, and all the adventures together.

When major events occur, we know who to call, and who will be interested even in the details of our lives. We share love of music, albeit differing kinds, and love to read and watch movies and TV. We share our favorites with each other.

And then there’s food. We love to eat, preferably in groups of like-minded friends. Just as my Mom and Aunts shared recipes and menu ideas, we share our discoveries with each other on our weekly Zoom calls. We are easy on each other, now that we are older, and allow our differences without criticizing. My youngest sister, Barbara, does a “cleanse” each Fall and Spring, drinking a special blend of vegetables and homeopathic substances. I would never do that, but she is welcome to. She also is mainly vegetarian, with occasional poultry or fish. I could never give up pork or lamb,

The middle sister, Becky, has sworn off sugar, for Pete’s sake! I could never do that, but she feels healthier and it is the right thing for her lifestyle. (She does have whipped cream with agave and berries for special times, which is kind of sweet.)I respect their decisions and don’t send meat to Barb or candy to Becky for Christmas or birthdays.

We have shared caring for our parents, especially our Dad as he aged. And we keep each other informed on cousin’s news. We compare health and wellness updates on ourselves and others, commiserate over deaths and chronic conditions. We use each other as measuring benchmarks for ourselves.

Living so far apart: Spokane to Atlanta to San Antonio, we make do with the frequent phone calls, and visit in person every couple of years. This coming April, I plan to meet them in Texas for the total solar eclipse. Then there is my upcoming 75th birthday in September of 2024, and they say they will both come all the way here to celebrate!

Families are messy, and can be difficult, but sisters can help. They have certainly had a major impact on my life!