This is the anniversary of one of the truly important days in world history. No, I’m not as confused as you think. (Not in that way, anyhow.) I’m not referring to Christmas and getting the date all wrong (nor Hanukkah or Ramadan or Eid or the Chinese New Year or Samhain and getting the date that much wrong-er). December the twenty-second is, in fact, the anniversary of the birth of my Number One Sister. And that is a very big deal.
Believe me when I tell you that there are not enough superlatives in the world to describe how fortunate I feel to have followed in her footsteps, even if I make up really cool sounding words for the occasion.
My big sister paved the way for me. She test-drove our parents through child-rearing for nearly a full two years before entrusting little me to their care–and hers. She trained them in the ways of infants and toddlers admirably, and continued to lead the way right through our developmental (emphasis on the last two syllables) years, both for the parental party and for her pesky little sister. Why, in fact, she didn’t “accidentally” lose me, sell me to a traveling circus or bump me off on certain occasions remains a complete mystery.
Instead, she was a great playmate and co-conspirator. She was both a good enough student to set up positive expectations of the family lineage when I followed her into her former teachers’ lairs and also enough of a strong-minded individualist that they dared not assume we should be compared–thank goodness, as not only were we always distinct in our personalities and tastes but she was easily a more natural scholar than I was and I’d have drowned in those expectations. And she was Firstborn enough to assert her right to test all boundaries and, occasionally, the parental patience, just enough to make my follow-up look that one necessary shade paler by comparison. That’s us in succinct terms, one might say: I’m pretty good at life’s tasks in general–learning, adventuring, inventing, enjoying–and she’s always a notch more substantively and colorfully so. The great thing from my perspective is that I never felt this as a shortcoming on my part but rather that I’ve lived in the presence of a fine example of levels to which I can aspire. I am working on it.
Meanwhile, back in the land of sisterhood, I have this amazing friend who was waiting for me the day I showed up for my first public appearance and has embraced, cajoled, guided, teased, taught, humored, chastised and entertained me ever since. The exemplar of Big-Sisterhood. One I can say anything to and ask anything of, and she still loves me. Even when I’ve been utterly unlikable (I know, it’s hard to believe I’ve ever been a stinker, isn’t it!), she’s stuck by my side. Or at least waited somewhere backstage to reclaim me when I finished my big scene.
Now, I won’t immerse you in treacly lies and say that I think anyone is perfect, not even my sisters, as fabulous as they all are, but I wouldn’t dream of changing a thing. When I showed up on the scene I was immediately gifted with a built-in mentor and companion, and that has never altered. So when I say Happy Birthday to my big sister, it’s always doubled by my sense of having received her as my own first birthday present too.
From that point forward, she has been coaching me in all of those skills and arts most meaningful in living a full life: curiosity, assertion of self, living by one’s convictions, passion for those people and things that matter, playfulness, generosity and a good appreciation of the ridiculous. She taught me, more than anybody else, how to laugh until my face aches and my lungs are bursting and tears are shooting out of my eyes as though I’d had a squirt-gun transplant. And she taught me the proper respectful adulation of all-things-chocolate.
How’s that for a long way of saying there aren’t enough words! But you know what I mean, especially if you have been lucky enough to have a sibling (let alone three) so worthy of hyperbolic paeans. Yes, I think it’s grand that all of those other marvelous and perhaps more widely recognized holidays and celebrations are right ahead, but I have every reason to celebrate this date with elation and a great deal of gratitude, so if you feel like raising a toast or hugging your sister or setting off some nice fireworks or sending my sister a chocolate cake (with chocolate filling and chocolate frosting and hot chocolate on the side) or anything, feel free to join right in and consider this a very worthy day for such things. Happy Twenty-second of December!
Art-Colored Glasses 
What a beautiful post! Thanks for sharing!
So happy I have *reason* to shout it out! Merry Christmas to you and the Viking!
I love it! Your relationship with your sister sounds amazing! I wish I had an older sister. I just have younger ones – MUCH younger ones. I do have an aunt who is only 7 years older than I am. We grew up together in the same house, so we are a lot like siblings, but it’s different. And plus, I’m the adult in our relationship!
Yes, I do know how scrambled families can get by age and pecking-order and all of that (you remind me here of Dad S, who was an uncle when he was born, and my own uncle, Mom’s youngest brother, who is half as many years older than me as he is younger than her). I can’t tell you how spoiled I am by having parents *and* three sisters *and* in-laws of all sorts (and even assorted add-on “siblings”), *all* of whom are people I adore. I can’t promise to be as good at it as my big sister, but I’ll happily be yours. 🙂
Thats a wonderful post. You got me there… 22nd of december is special to me as well. Its our wedding anniv…. Love every word you wrote. Thanks
Happy, happy anniversary, Nors! Obviously you chose a very auspicious day! I’m glad you like the post. 🙂
I’ve two older sisters and two younger brothers, and while I’ve had to suffer through the indignities of being sucked into playing Barbies (at a much tender age) by the sisters, it certainly beat the alternative of having my possessions looted and destroyed by the two-man wolfpack of brothers.
Re: Chocolate.
The Trinity: Flowers, Chocolate, and a cuddle.
There’s nothing that this combo can’t fix.
You might be right: the universal cure!
I’ve heard about the brotherly-tortures, but as you obviously know, a pack of only girls is perfectly capable of its own kinds of mayhem!
From the title, I thought you were lauding chocolate but found that it was a wonderful tribute to your sister. But this came to mind as I was moving from the email to your blog to read: So much chocolate, so little time.
Yes, indeedy! That’s still perfectly fitting, because I’d say the same thing–so many wonderful sisterly gifts, and so little earthly time for delighting in them. Gotta make the most of it all. That probably means, among other things, that I’d better make sure to always keep my sister well stocked with chocolate! 😉
A wonderful tribute, Kathryn!! As far as the chocolate goes, in my home town (Durango, CO) where I grew up lies the home office and original Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory. I’m sure they have so to spare. 😉
MMM, I do know RMCF. They have a branch a very short walk from where our part-time “home” (hotel) was located while R was conducting his choir in Edmonton all those years. Believe me, I know them! 🙂
A lovely tribute to your sister – who sounds like a super sibling.
Yes, lucky girl that I am, I have *three* super sibs *and* a bunch of incredible sibs-in-law.
This made me tear up. Your love and admiration for your sister is something I strive for between my children. I would like to know your mother’s secret.
I can say with confidence, after following your blog, Geni, that you already practice my mother’s secret, which is: love the living daylights out of your family. The example does rub off, despite all possible [cough, *teenager*] appearances to the contrary. 😉
What a loving tribute to your Sis, Kathryn, and to Sisterhood, as well. It really was touching to read of your special relationship. Thanks for sharing so intimate a part of your life.
Can you believe it, I got *three* of these incredibly wonderful sisters!! I’m glad to have them to brag about any time. I’m glad you enjoyed.
A beautiful tribute for your sister today,Kathryn… did you know that (this year) she shares her birthday with the solstice (not always on Dec 21, this year it is on the 22nd:) You are so fortunate to have such a lovely relationship… sweeter than chocolate I bet!
Wishing you and your sister and your other fine family members a rambunctious and heavenly Christmas:) xo Smidge
Yes, we got to go to a wonderful Solstice/Christmas party tonight at the Dean’s. I have a feeling my sister celebrated in a smaller and quieter way back in Washington, but that’s the way our family has always rather liked to do things. I at least know her dog Tristan was calling her out for their first walk of the day by the time she wrote me this morning, so it was probably a good way to get both birthday and solstice underway!
Yes, Richard and I are both blessed with incredibly dear family and marvel all the time at how fortunate we are. Our Christmas will be just the two of us, since those loved ones are all over the country and world but none close by, but I’m quite certain we’ll have a happy Christmas both on our own and via telephone and email with the rest of the gang. Love and happiness to you and yours!
I think both our sisters are part of the Super Sister Society. And aren’t our lives so much richer for it?
Ever so much so!!! Lucky, lucky us. 😀