be a better sister

I’m the oldest of two children. I realize now that I left for college that I’ve had a bad relationship with my little brother all my life and it is more than partly my fault, but I don’t want to lose him. I need to start to try to heal this relationship and I hope he is willing to work with me on this. Still, I worry it’s too late and too much damage has been done.

Heard my sis wasn’t feeling well and decided it was the perfect opportunity to call her for a change. We didn’t talk long, was just a chance for me to say I was thinking of her and wishing her a speedy recovery.

if we don’t see each other often. Since I moved my sister has been calling regulary and is always on for a chat. I feel we are becoming closer as a result of my distance. I just need to put some effort into initiating phone calls myself.

My closest brother (in age) has a lot going on in his life. He’s started up a band with friends and they are busy recording demos, performing, and doing all these band things. Last time I went home I got to hear his demo for the first time. They are good! I think him hearing me say how good I think he is made him feel good.

He’s also started driving lessons (thank goodness I can’t take him out driving, I would die of a heart attack!) and he’s redecorating his room. I am really tight on money but I gave him $20. While my fiance and I were shopping, we saw rugs on sale that would match his room so we picked one up for him. I haven’t been home yet but I’ve told him I got him something and he’s excited. It’s nice to pick up things for my brothers and if I could I would have given my brother more. He’s been trying so hard to try to get a job but no one seems to be hiring. Plus, if I give him money, it’s less he’ll have to get from my parents. Being a good daughter and sister all in one!

So I realized this was worth adding to my list last year but just recently figured out he how. It’s not picking up the check when we go out or calling and texting just to say hi. We do all those things but I realize my role is greater. As her sister and friend, the greatest way I can be “better” is to live a life that is sold-out for Christ and be a better example to my sister. I think I will start by doing things like inviting her over more, sending her books, cards, etc. And I think I’ll buy her a bible very soon…

Today I texted my brother to ask him a silly question (what was his best time running a 5K) and we ended up talking for a while, albeit through text (but what can you expect, he’s 16). I asked him if he heard that I got my grades back and he said “Yeah, mom said you got a 4.0 or something like that” and I told him to not be upset. He may be smart but he doesn’t always make Honor Roll. He told me he isn’t upset and that he was proud of me. I was so happy I just wanted to cry. I told him that he and my other brother are the best brothers anyone could ever hope for and that it really means a lot to me that he can be proud of me. I told him that he should never feel like he needs to follow in my footsteps. ^_ I love my brothers. I’m trying to be a better sister. I think this is a step in the right direction.

I have two sisters, I started doing this already though since my older sister and I have grown a tiny bit closer these past months with the wedding coming and all. As of next month all three of us sisters will live in different states, I need to learn to keep in touch so much better than I have ‘till now.

but not often enough

makes a good sister?

We met up back home – a great place to catch up and stay caught up. We’ve managed to stay much more in touch since I made this goal, and I’m going to consider it done. She was my fourth phone call when I found out about Cornell, and that’s a sign of marked improvement.