Being The Older Sister I Never Had

Since the day my younger brother was born I knew it was my job as an older sister to be his role model. Role model, someone you look up to, someone you're expected to be, someone that is the example for you to follow. And I have followed that guideline from the moment he took his first breath, until now. 

Throughout the years, my brother and I have been all through ups and downs. The fights, meltdowns, silent treatment. But also the inside jokes, and dress up, and all of our made up songs and games. And being an older sister has been by far my favorite duty I've had to fulfill. And to my brother if you're reading this now, just know growing up together has been the best part of my childhood. 

Some things that I have done as an older sister is, give my brother advice. Such as teachers in middle school or high school. Stood up for him in front of other kids. Explain how his friends might change, the curriculums to each course he’s going to have to take throughout the years, and more. Everything that I have experienced, he will also, and has so much prior knowledge to it thanks to me.

And even though we are siblings and are the opposite gender, it doesn’t mean we can’t talk to each other about girl or boy things. Besides that I will never take for granted that I can count on him for anything

I know my brother appreciates me. We have done so much for each other over the years. We were siblings, and that's a bond that can’t be broken. As an older sister I would do anything for him. 

And in that way, I’m so envious of him.  

I never had an older sibling. I never had advice, for when I had friend problems, or when I was going into a new school, or when I had no one to stick up for me when other kids were being mean. There wasn’t anyone that had my back like an older sibling did for their younger one. 

Every experience that I had, I went into blind. No one there to tell me what to do, or give me any prior knowledge, or give me advice. I had to figure it out on my own

And in some ways that can make me more independent. I know how to do new things by myself. But it would have been nice for someone to be there for me, and who truly understood what I was going through.  

And I know I have my parents, but they can only help to a certain extent. Older siblings just understand what they're going through, and why different things are weird or cool, or why I have to choose this class, or how to respond to a text, and countless other things. They know other things that parents don’t. There is not necessarily someone like a parent, but not your peer. They are the best of both of them, you very own built in best friend. 

Reflecting on this, being an older sister had been the very best opportunity, and something I wouldn’t trade for the world. The relationship between siblings is so special. Everyday I get to be that person for my brother, but that also has opened my eyes to something I never got to have. 

So if you're reading this and you are lucky enough to have an older sister or brother, don’t take it for granted. Even though they can nag you and be annoying and bossy like a parent, they can also joke around and give you really good advice like a friend. And even though I never had an older sibling, I was fortunate enough to be somebody else’s.