By way of breaking down the writer-reader barrier, I’ve decided to share an intimate secret with everyone to initiate a proper emotional connection moving forward. Hold onto your socks ladies and gentlemen because they’re about to be knocked off.
When tasked with writing an article to commemorate the globalized sensation of “International Women’s Day” last year, my mind immediately blanked because I had never even heard of the holiday. That’s right, I was blissfully unaware of International Women’s Day for nearly 21 years of life. At the assignment’s first glance, my mind’s invasive questions consumed any flickering ideas fighting to materialize—what could possibly capture the essence of being a woman? What could aptly appreciate the female role-models that have led me through life? What could a small-town writer truly contribute to such a momentous celebration of womanhood?
To be honest, I ended up writing a mediocre piece (at best) on a few powerful female heroines from YA Fantasy novels because I couldn’t envisage an idea that was suitable to the task at hand. That is…I couldn’t UNTIL TODAY. For International Women’s Day 2023, I’ve decided to celebrate the two young women that mean more to me than anyone or anything else on this Earth: my sisters.
24 years ago, my angelic older sister Caroline was born as a happy and healthy baby. This was the start of an admirable life of endless positivity, devout faith, unbridled love and hard-earned success. Three short years later, I made this beautiful little girl my big sister (you’re welcome).
Sure, we engaged in the normal sibling antics as children—covering the TV’s infrared sensor so they can’t change the channel, leaving the bedroom door open (after hearing “Shut my door!” boom through the halls) and running to take a shower once they’ve announced their intent to take a bath—but as far as sibling rivalries go, we were pretty tame.
In only two decades, Caroline has taught me the true meaning of love with the superior way she carries herself. She lights up every room she walks into with her smile, laugh and kindness, and she’s the kind of person you feel better for having talked to each day. You can’t help loving her!
But let’s fast forward five more years to the greatest day of my life, August 14th, 2006—the day my little sister Olivia was born.
The responsibility of the “Big Sister” title was something I hadn’t considered until Olivia came around, and though she gives me a run for my money every single day, that role has been the sole highlight of my life. Olivia is spunky and sarcastic, but also thoughtful and wise beyond her years. She’s the person I turn to when I’m hurting inside because I always know I can trust her. She is the friend everyone wants in their life, thus I feel profoundly lucky to have the privilege of calling her my best friend. Plus, she’s the smartest 16-year-old you’ll ever meet!
As I’m sure you’ve gathered, my sisters mean everything to me. Every Thursday night you can catch me driving home for two plus hours because I wouldn’t want to spend my weekends with anyone else. Though, home isn’t so much a place as it is the people you love, and I love my sisters with every fiber of my being. If anyone ever crosses them or makes a callous comment on their behalf, you best believe I’m ready to throw hands (and suffer an intense beating as a result because I have no muscle to back up these threats).
It is my sincerest wish that every person reading this article has one or two women in their life that mean as much to them as my sisters mean to me. This International Women’s Day, reflect on the relationships that have shaped and changed your life for the better. In the meantime, I’m going to tell my sisters how special they truly are.
Caroline and Olivia, thank you for being the best Big and Little sisters a girl could ever ask for. You make me happier than I ever thought possible, and I love you very much!