Growing up as the middle child in a family of three girls wasn't always a cup of tea. Between crying that my older sister wouldn't let me play with her and her friends, and yelling at my little sister to get out of my room (and stop picking my lock), I feel bad for my mom in retrospect. She would always tell us that one day we would be thankful for each other, but I really just thought she was saying it to get some peace and quiet.
(my fave pic of us from the 90s)
Imagine my surprise when I recently read an article about a study stating that growing up with at least one female sibling has a profoundly positive impact on the life of the person with the sister, as well as the family as a whole. According to this study having a sister makes you happier, more optimistic, able to handle problems better, able to communicate more openly, and makes you more independent. And I thought my mom was just making things up! Sorry mom!
(and a more recent photo of us)
Even before reading that article, I have grown up to really appreciate my sisters and love spending time with them. Sisters, I love you to the moon and back, and I don't know what I would do without you! Thank you for making me who I am today, stronger for having fought with you, more caring for having been loved by you, and more able to take on the world.
If you have a sister, or if like me you are lucky enough to have more than one, consider yourself lucky! And if you don't, you can borrow one of mine any day!
Gratefully yours,
Jaime Ariella
