Wednesday, July 31, 2013

A Tale Of Two Siblings

I'd posted earlier that all of the Walker girls are visiting with us for what is now nearly three weeks.  While they got along well for about 10 days, Madison (15) and Reese (13) are now at odds with each other - a common occurrence when they lived together and between siblings in general.  I had a brief discussion with each of them about sibling relationships then decided to send them a short story to think about - if not now, perhaps will have a positive impact someday.  Thought I'd share it with you as well.

"There was once a five year old boy who was an only child and the apple of his parents and next door grandparents eyes, when along came a baby sister.  Whether it was the age difference or jealousy from the boy at losing his favored only child status, he and his sister didn’t have a lot to do with one another while growing up. 

Eventually the boy went off to build his life several hundred miles away, with a job and a family and the girl did the same but in the hometown.  As a result the boy and girl would see each other every year or so when the boy returned to visit with the parents.

The years passed and the boy and girl continued to see each other during these parental visits and their relationship could best be described as they were good acquaintances - they were never really friends.

When the boy was nearly 50, he realized that it might not be long before they were the only family members remaining and the he decided to reach out to the girl and she turned out to be receptive.  They had many long talks about their childhood, their lives, and their feelings for each other – the girl never liked the boy (he could be a jerk).  After a year or so of visits and phone calls the relationship continued to develop, they both liked what was happening between them, and both regretted the lost years they could have had together.

Then disaster struck as the girl was diagnosed with stage four cancer.  While the relationship was still good, it was hard to build much as the girl spent most of her time battling the disease, they lived 600 miles apart, and both had jobs.  The girl fought the disease for five years and the boy spent as much time with her as possible even moving her to his home for a few months at one point.

After the five years, the girl was about to lose the battle and as the boy was lamenting the lost time with her, the girl replied “no regrets big brother, these last few years have been great between us.”  After this and the loss of their mother with things left undone and words left unsaid, the boy decided he would never again lose a person important to him without keeping any relationship junk cleaned up at all times. 

I am that boy and the entire family is gone but me.  Oh the things I wish I could have redone."

Have a great day and thanks for stopping by Almost Heaven South.

Larry

17 comments:

  1. What a lovely story Larry, and spoken from the heart. Meakin and I have said many times how fortunate your granddaughters are to have you and Beverly in their lives. I hope, as you do, one day they will see the importance of having family and how. in the blink of an eye, circumstances can change everything.
    Sam

    ReplyDelete
  2. I think it's wonderful that they have you to give them such good advice. They may not seem to use it all right now, but they will remember it.

    ReplyDelete
  3. Larry, what a touching story and one I wish all siblings could hear. My mother and one of my aunts did not speak to each other for 5 years.... until my aunt was diagnosed with breast cancer - thank god my mom came to her senses and they have forgiving each other. She is still doing great, so of course, they are back to arguing, but at least they are now speaking to each other - one step at a time, right?

    ReplyDelete
  4. Really nice story Larry. And such words of wisdom Being an only child, I watched cousin siblings on one side of my family quarrel, undermine and generally be assholes to each other on a regular basis. Then there was the cheerful, happy, kind side of the family who I never saw angry with each other. They were true relatives and fiends to each other. I'm really glad we spent the majority of our time with the latter.

    ReplyDelete
  5. A touching story that all siblings should read. Life is too short.

    ReplyDelete
  6. I am so touched by your story, Larry. It was wonderful that you and your sister had a few years of closeness as adults. Sibling rivalry can be so destructive and hurtful and there are those who just can't let it go. I'm happy for you that you and your sister made peace with each other. What a blessing.

    ReplyDelete
  7. Larry, It's a great story...but we're talking about 2 teenage girls here! Good luck! Kids live for today and for most kids, this is just a boring story that Grandpa told us... Maybe I'm wrong but I know that this accurate parable wouldn't have much impact on our grandsons... Take Care, Big Daddy Dave

    ReplyDelete
  8. Family dynamics can be very interesting. My sister and I fought constantly when we were young and yet we are now the best of all friends. I know my Mom thought it would never happen but we got it figured out in time. I think with your example to follow, your granddaughters will learn the lesson sooner rather than later.

    ReplyDelete
  9. Larry, you are sure one heck of a man and a great person. We all are proud to know you. Thanks for teaching us all important lessons, why, even us old folks, might learn a thing or two too.

    ReplyDelete
  10. What a great guy you are! I remember those sibling rivalries so much as a child and then again among my own two kids! Now there is silence in our home without them, and I'd take a bickering here and there (but not often!). Hope your summer is dandy!

    Roz

    ReplyDelete
  11. Your girls are lucky to have you and Bev as a strong and loving support system in their lives. I admire you for the example you are setting. I agree with Roz - What a great guy you are.

    ReplyDelete
  12. Your story gave me goosebumps. I am always telling my kids to love and protect each other, because, in the end, they are the only sibling they will ever have.

    I am sorry for the loss of your sister but I am so glad you bonded before she died.

    ReplyDelete
  13. A very touching and heartfelt story Larry. Thanks for sharing. I hope the girls take it to heart.

    ReplyDelete
  14. If they are too young to appreciate the story, Larry, it has meaning for the rest of us. Have a wonderful weekend. Blessings...Mary

    ReplyDelete
  15. Your story brought tears to my eyes, Larry! I'm so glad you got that special time with your sister. Having two daughters born 2-1/2 years apart I remember vividly when they both became 'hormonal' and would fight like crazy - especially when one of them would borrow a piece of clothing from the other without asking. Thankfully, they're best friends now, now that they each have their own place :)

    ReplyDelete
  16. A very heartfelt story Larry. I hope they took it to heart - and so thankful you had that time together before it was too late. So glad you reached out.

    ReplyDelete
  17. I'd have to say this is probably my favorite post that you have ever done, Larry.

    ReplyDelete

I appreciate and enjoy your comments