I was out for dinner last night with my mother and two sisters — an early birthday celebration for my eldest sister whose birthday falls on Christmas Day. Ahh, poor her…
Not so poor her. When we were growing up, everyone remembered her birthday. She received presents from friends and relatives who never thought of little Bethie come June (my birthday month). Back in the days when presents were a big deal, I envied her big-time.
While on the subject of presents, my other sister announced that all her Christmas gifts were wrapped. The rest of us shot daggers at her. Boo. Hiss. How did the baby sister turn out to be so organized and efficient?
The middle sister (that would be me) has yet to complete her Christmas shopping list.
Ah, sister/sibling placement — eldest, middle, youngest…
I would describe my sibs and I like so:
Eldest (sister) — Responsible, outgoing, organized, popular, dependable and loving. (And as a kid — bossy.)
Middle (me) — Quiet, thoughtful, sensitive (aw, shucks). It’s hard to do this about myself. I could also use the following words: irreverent, moody…
Youngest (sister) — Really outgoing, organized (see above), fun-loving, loyal, loving. (And as a kid, we often referred to her as a “little fart.” I guess she still is.)
I just re-read this. My descriptions of my sisters are remarkably similar. My own is quite different. Is this because I can’t be objective about myself or am I truly that different from my sisters? Are middle sisters different? And if so, why? I’ll have to give this some thought. In the meantime, I should add “loving” to my own list because I am. So there.
9 comments:
You ARE loving - and at the same time, you are the most thoughtful of the three of us. Never forget that you are also our 'rock', whether or not you have any desire to be. Thanks for the kind words, and nah, nah, nee, boo, boo, I've also completed my stocking stuffers...........love you!
the youngest (but sadly, the most wrinkled)
megan - Despite the fact you have also completed your stocking stuffers, I love you too.
"I am a rock, I am an island..." (Simon and Garfunkle - 'cause you're so young you probably don't even remember the song)
As someone who has known you longer than just about anyone, let me tell you: you are loving, caring, LOYAL, a fabulous wife and mother, a superb writer, highly amusing, and, yes, irreverent and sometimes cynical. And yes, from my perspective (a perpetually disorganized soul), disgustingly organized. Love you for all those reasons and more.
anonymous - you had me wondering there for awhile until I got to the "perpetually disorganized" bit. Thanks, L. Love you too. (And you're not really disorganized. You couldn't be and also be the success you are.)
I'm a middle kid myself. Let me know when you figure out what we're supposed to be like! LOL
attila the mom - there's actually something called the "middle-child syndrome." we're supposed to be insecure, loners and suffer from low self-esteem. I say - BS to that...
So, okay, as the eldest (who is basically the reason behind your whole tirade)I suppose I should say something. An island is always surrounded and protected by water as you are with your family and friends.
As for our Mrs. Santa there, I think she is going through a mid life crisis!
Enough adjectives have been used to describe you (all very accurate) - but let me just say that my "wings" couldn't function without you. And thank you for your very kind words. forever....
martha - Are we going to argue (again) about who is the wind beneath whose wings? That whole hero thing (courtesy of Bette Midler)?
Nah, we'll just leave it as lots of love flows - both ways.
I'm not sure how Anonymous can comment on your qualities as a wife. There is only one person who can do that. In this case, he agrees wholeheartedly. At least today.
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