My Sister

"A sister can be seen as someone who is both ourselves and very much not ourselves - a special kind of double." ~Toni Morrison

Today, my sister turned 21 years old. It's unbelieveable to me. I grew up with her, this amazing, thoughtful, funny, independent young lady. I have always loved my sister (ok, except that one time....), and taken special care of her. My family members love to tell me stories about how when she was an infant, and I was a kid, she would only stop crying for me. I remember once, my sister was very upset, and no one could get her to calm and stop wailing. Whether she was tired, or irritated, or missing my mom, I dunno. All I know is when I took her from the hot potato- like hands of family members and held her, she quieted down and fell asleep in my arms.

I remember when I dislocated her arm with a tug-o-war blanket tug. I felt so bad, but of course I didn't mean to. I remember when I gave her rug burn under her chin from dragging her around the house. We were both having so much fun until she started crying! Then there were all of the times that we made tents and secret hide outs in our room and had picnics. My sister and I have created so many recipes in our summer boredom. Classic was the time we made "cinnamon banana cornbread" which looked delicious but tasted disgusting. I can't remember whose idea it was to feed it to the neighborhood homies, but oddly enough, they loved it....all while we laughed our heads off! There were lots of times when, as the big brother, I was in charge of dinner. I was confined to microwave cooking so I became a master at making meatballs or eggs.

Gone are the times when she lost her bus pass and wallet 8 times a year and my mom had no choice but to get her another one because we had to take city transportation to school. I relish the memory of the period when my sister was my shadow. Everywhere I went, she went. Everything I wanted, she wanted. As annoying as that period was, it was endearing. Growing up, we found so many different ways to fill and pass the time. We navigated San Jose like no other using VTA busses and light rail lines. What bus lines didn't go to the mall? We found ourselves visiting Eastridge, West Gate, and Valley Fair way too often because it was summer time and the malls were air conditioned.

How close we were as children was only contrasted by how much distance I felt from her when we were teenagers. How much did I long to go back to how things used to be? As we both matured and began paving our own way in the world, we connected at opportune times. She's the one who got me hooked on Gilmore Girls, which became our Tuesday nite sacred time together- when I was welcomed into her room (as long as I didn't bring popcorn).

I missed her dearly when I went off to college. I felt as if I was missing out on so much, I wasn't there to give her advice about high school! Now that she is away in college I know that what she is experiencing is much more valueable than any moresels of wisdom that I could offer. I look forward to our conversations as we connect on common experiences living away from home. I admire her so much. I love how she has grown from being a "little me" to being her own person. As I reflect this evening, I am so proud of her and happy to have her in my life. I cannot imagine my life without my sister. Andrea Erving, have a very happy 21st year of life!

"Having a sister is like having a best friend you can't get rid of. You know whatever you do, they'll still be there." ~Amy Li