Aryn Week 10: The End of an Era

    There are numerous stigmas surrounding the youngest child, especially the youngest daughter, some including that they are spoiled, stubborn, and less intelligent than their older siblings. In some cases, that may be true. However, in my case, that is only partially correct. My older sisters always say, "I have it way easier than they did," and I completely understand that my parents gave me much more leeway and gave me a lot more than what they had given my older sisters. Since I have it "way easier" than they did, and don't get me wrong, in most ways I do, I have always tried to prove to them that I was just as good. In school, I always tried my hardest. Especially having my teachers know them already, and they set the standards abnormally high, making me want to 'beat' them even more. 

    When my oldest sister, Gabby, left for college, the house suddenly became quiet. Even though I had my other sister and, of course, my parents, it just didn't feel the same. Although I never admitted it, I missed her - immensely. We had an eight-year age gap which meant we didn't have much in common. But upon her return home from college, we have become closer than ever before, and I am insanely sad yet very proud to see her begin the next chapter of her life. 

        That brings me to my other sister, Arielle. It is tough for me to admit this, but Arielle is one of those people who is incredible at everything. Writing, math, science, politics - anything you name it, and she can do it. So yea, I was always jealous, especially when it took me a couple of tries to barely meet the average. But that just made me work harder. Parents and teachers always loved her - if I ever did anything wrong, it was always, "Why can't you be more like Arielle?" and that's when it finally hit me that I would always have to prove myself. Unlike my relationship with Gabby, Arielle and I have always had a very sisterly relationship. I would steal her clothes, blame her for my mistakes, and if I really felt like pulling the little sister card, I would start to cry and make something up to get her in trouble. But, unlike most siblings, our 5-year age gap has nothing on us. We talk like I'm her roommate in her college dorm or she's living at home again in the room next to mine. As I did with Gabby, I miss her abundantly (but I would never tell her that). 

    With all the perks that come with being the littlest sister, it had finally hit me that I would never live with my sisters again. I will forever reminisce on the memories of sharing a room (even though I hated it at the time) or our ridiculously fantastic family vacations. I know our memories will eternally remain, and now we have an excuse to make more. 

Do you miss your older siblings?